Purpose and Context
This whitepaper presents a quantitative, data-driven methodology for determining Flexible Connection Agreements (FCAs) at asset level, developed in collaboration with Bayernwerk Netz GmbH. FCAs are a key instrument to accelerate grid connections under defined curtailment conditions, addressing the fast-growing volume of connection requests and the resulting imbalance between connection demand and available grid capacity. Unlike previous approaches focused on project developer interests, this methodology prioritizes grid operator requirements for transparency and operational security.
Core Capabilities
The methodology calculates FCA limits for both feed-in and demand assets using exemplary loading data and percentile-based logic. It accounts for seasonal variability, applies step function logic for practical implementation, and ensures compliance with the N-1 criterion for demand requests. A unique feature is its ability to combine feed-in and demand FCA calculations, enabling strategies for hybrid assets such as battery energy storage systems (BESS).
Benefits
FCA-based connections enable earlier project realization without immediate reinforcement and improve grid utilization compared to static capacity limits or conventional static control. Adjustable percentile parameters and step-function configurations allow an explicit differentiation between customer-side curtailment impacts and grid-operatorside redispatch measures, thereby balancing operational responsibility and risk allocation.
Evaluation Takeaways
Case studies show FCA-based connections can unlock substantial capacity: up to 29 % more energy for feed-in assets and 65 % more for demand assets compared to the conventional static, worst-case connection assessment (fixed connection capacity derived from extreme-case power-flow studies), while maintaining operational limits. Sensitivity analysis highlights how percentile selection influences curtailment and redispatch, enabling operators to optimize based on system priorities.
Future Work
Further development will refine synthetic demand and flexibility profiles for improved customer-side evaluation, extend combined FCA strategies for hybrid assets, and introduce automated optimization of percentile and buffer parameters. These enhancements will strengthen the methodology as a robust planning and operational tool for DSOs.
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