Heating systems in buildings for the security of stability of the European electric power system

Mr Pirmin  Boch, University of Hohenheim, Germany

Due to the steadily increasing part of renewable energy in the European power system, ensuring the stability of this power system will always be more important. Through the permanent, but not exactly predictable, over- or under-production of electricity from e.g. wind turbines or photovoltaic systems, the power fluctuations will become stronger. A system that can compensate these fluctuations is necessary. At this juncture the buildings, especially the heating systems of buildings, can take a significant part. An advantage of using these systems to ensure grid stability is the de-centrality and the high number of small plants is present. Due to these a high safety of standby for the available equipment follows. A further advantage is the possibility to store energy in form of thermal energy in the building, which allows exceptional flexibility. Demand side management of heating systems in buildings is possible. From the environmental perspective there is a clear advantage of the connection of buildings to a smart grid: Instead of destroying the excess of renewable produced energy, the energy will be used ecologically worthwhile. An analysis of the electricity market, explicitly the controlling power range, and the examination of various technical options, will show whether the connection of the building to a smart grid is technically feasible.