SIMU-FLEX LOKAL Development of an incentive-based load flow simulation tool to harness flexibility potential in the expansion and operational planning of distribution networks

Funding reference | EFRE-20801475

The project is being carried out as part of the ERDF/JTF Programme NRW 2021–2027 – Energy.IN.NRW Innovation Competition and is co-funded by the European Union and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Project duration | 1 October 2025–30 September 2028

Current situation:

The accelerated expansion of electric mobility, heat pumps and photovoltaic systems is leading to a significant increase in the electrical load on regional distribution networks. These networks are coming under increasing pressure, particularly when several large consumers or feed-in sources are in use simultaneously. Traditional grid expansion is often designed to cope with rare peak loads – an approach that is inefficient from an economic perspective. Politicians are therefore aiming to carry out physical interventions in the grid only as a ‘last resort’ and to promote preventive measures instead. These include smart control and incentive systems that make better use of existing flexibility potential.

The project:

The SIMU‑FLEX LOKAL research project investigates incentive-based approaches to relieving the burden on distribution networks through the use of household-level flexibility (heat pumps, photovoltaics, electric cars).
The aim of the project is to investigate the influence of time-varying grid tariffs and dynamic price signals on the scheduling of household-based flexibility, as well as their effect on grid congestion in distribution networks. This is intended to smooth out peak loads and, as a result, identify potential savings in grid expansion.

Objectives:

The aim of the project is to systematically analyse and simulate the effect of time-varying grid tariffs and dynamic price signals on consumption behaviour. This is intended to highlight possible courses of action for reducing peak loads without immediately implementing costly grid expansion. To this end, the project is developing parameterisable models of various asset types, including the relevant factors influencing their flexibility potential. The core product will be an open-source simulation tool that enables grid operators to optimise tariffs and make more informed strategic decisions regarding grid development.

Benefits and prospects:

The models and planning tool developed in the project will provide grid operators with a practical instrument for assessing the impacts of various tariff and expansion options in advance. This will enable investments to be planned more effectively, peak loads to be avoided and existing infrastructure to be utilised more efficiently. For local authorities and energy suppliers, this opens up the opportunity to shape regional energy transition processes cost-effectively whilst simultaneously enhancing security of supply. In the long term, the project contributes to the further development of the regulatory framework for time-varying grid tariffs and the establishment of innovative incentive schemes in practice – an important step towards a sustainable, flexible energy system.