Flexibility Functions

Flexibility functions

Innovation Type: Software (Flexibility function and control algorithms)

What is this innovation about?

Based on Neighbourhood Scale Grey Box Models (GBN), the syn.ikia team has developed Flexibility Functions (FFN) and forecasts to unlock the flexibility potential of SPENs. The flexibility functions are prerequisites for dynamic optimization of buildings and their HVAC systems in different climates and future price/tariff scenarios; they enable the computation of Flexibility Index and the MPC (Model Predictive Control) of buildings and consequently neighbourhoods.

The neighbourhood scale FFN resolves challenges in the planning and in the operation of SPENs, allowing:

• Predictive optimization of energy flows from and into the single units (e.g., apartments) forming the SPEN
  • Certifying (before and after construction) flexibility of the combinations of:
  • Control algorithms
• Technical installations
• Identifying the price-demand relationship

What kind of challenges it will solve if deployed widely

Compared to standard solutions that refer to a single unit (as for the standard grey-box models), within syn.ikia the Flexibility Function FFN will be able to work with multiple users (apartments). Also, a multi-objective optimisation approach (Energy and price, or energy and CO2 footprint of energy sources) can be implemented. The flexibility function can also provide demand prediction and generate optimal price signals for the model predictive controller.

The following entities will probably be interested in the FFN:

• Universities
• AI-based ESCOs
• Engineering/planning companies

How has syn.ikia project impacted the development of this solution/ process/ tool?

During the syn.ikia project, a flexibility function has been developed for each demo site. The flexibility function has been implemented to generate the optimal penalty signal for the predictive controller. The enhancement of the results due to the optimal penalty signal was an important observation and indicated the benefits of taking the hierarchy of controllers into account for the control at the neighbourhood level.

How can this innovation be used beyond syn.ikia project?

As for the GBN, also the FFN could go beyond the typical borders of buildings and include EV charging cycles and stationary batteries. Also, the flexibility function concept would be part of the future smart energy operating system to connect market level, control and optimization level and the physical level.
Also in this case, spin-off companies of universities could bring the FFN development framework to the market.

Contact person:
Davide Cali, DTU
For more information, please see the technical report D4.3: Software containing a mathematical implementation of the Flexibility Functions, https://www.synikia.eu/resource-types/technical-reports/