Maximizing Power Flexibility of Hybrid Energy Systems for Capacity Market
This work addresses the problem of integrating HES into capacity markets for grid operators and energy providers, but it is incremental as it builds on existing methods for flexibility characterization.
The paper tackled the challenge of quantifying maximum flexibility for Hybrid Energy Systems (HES) in capacity markets by developing a rule-based framework that defines a dynamic flexibility envelope and allocates power among assets, enabling reliable participation in regulation markets.
Hybrid Energy Systems (HES), integrating generation sources, energy storage, and controllable loads, are well-positioned to provide real-time grid flexibility. However, quantifying this maximum flexibility is challenging due to renewable generation uncertainty and the complexity of power allocation across multiple assets in real time. This paper presents a rule-based framework for characterizing HES flexibility and systematically allocating power among its constituent assets. The flexibility envelope defines the dynamic power boundary within which the HES can inject or absorb power without violating operational constraints. Shaped in real time by capacity bids, available solar generation, and power allocation protocol, it enables reliable and predictable HES participation in regulation markets. Depending on the operational objective, the framework supports both symmetric and asymmetric flexibility cases. Further, the proposed power-allocation rule is benchmarked against an optimal dispatch, providing a performance reference under realistic conditions. Finally, state of charge drift correction control is presented to ensure sustained battery operation and system reliability. This work, therefore, offers a rigorous and practical framework for integrating HES into capacity markets through effective flexibility characterization.