Aggregation and disaggregation of distributed flexibility for transmission network needs: a conceptual framework

This paper provides a conceptual framework for enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and security of electricity transmission and distribution network (DN) operations by leveraging the flexibility of the DN to solve operational issues in transmission networks. The framework ensures that the aggregation and disaggregation adhere to the network constraints of DNs and the operational limitations of flexible processes. Grid flexibility is crucial for balancing supply and demand amid renewable energy uncertainties, but quantifying the flexibility of distributed resources (EVs, heat pumps, industrial loads) is complex due to their heterogeneous nature and constraints. Aggregators must account for the diversity, operational limits, and uncertainty of these sources to ensure reliable flexibility aggregation. Similarly, disaggregating flexibility necessitates precise locational and temporal activation to meet transmission grid needs while avoiding disruption in DN operations. Coordination between transmission and distribution system operators is critical to maintaining system stability. The paper proposes a conceptual framework to enable efficient aggregation and disaggregation of downstream flexibility resources for upstream transmission needs, ensuring the healthy operation of both transmission and DNs.