Preventing grid congestion: how smart devices can optimize electricity usage in the Netherlands

Flexibility of smart devices

Grid congestion can occur due to temporary overproduction of electricity or excessive use. our research focused on preventing overloading due to a (too) high demand for electricity. TNO analyzed the potential flexibility of heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points. Hanna van Sambeek, lead author of the TNO report: 'We chose these devices because they demand a lot of electricity at the same time and in large numbers.'

'Therefore, there are opportunities for flexible use, such as shifting part of the electricity consumption from the morning and evening peaks to other times of the day. Furthermore, we made calculations for 20 representative neighborhoods*, where grid reinforcement has not yet taken place, of the grid load in summer and winter for the years 2030 and 2035 with and without the smart use of devices.'

Grid congestion in 2030 in neighborhoods without grid reinforcement

'Our simulations show that in 2030, more than half of the selected neighborhoods, especially in winter, may experience grid congestion without the use of smart devices,' says Van Sambeek. 'This overloading is not constantly present but peaks at certain times of the day or year.'

Due to the energy transition, low-voltage networks (LV networks) are facing an increasing demand for electricity. Where these networks were originally designed for a simultaneous power demand of 1 to 1.5 kW, there is now a need for 5 kW or more. This can lead to overloading, especially in neighborhoods where grid reinforcement has not yet been realized.

Heat pumps and charging points can offer flexibility

Depending on summer or winter, the amount of expected flexibility from heat pumps and charging points varies. In summer, private and public charging points provide most of the flexibility (each about 40% of the total). In winter, heat pumps make a significant contribution.

Hanna van Sambeek: 'Our calculations show that the share of expected flexibility from heat pumps in winter is about 60% and from charging points 40%. The ratios differ by neighborhood type. The research shows that flexibility, where, for example, a heat pump and charging point reduce or delay their power demand, is necessary to prevent future grid congestion in the low-voltage network as much as possible.'

'The premise for the available flexibility is that there is no significant loss of comfort for the consumer. Specifically, for heat pumps, this means a maximum temperature drop of 0.8 degrees during the congestion period. For charging points, the car must be charged by the desired departure time.'

Communication protocol needed

The research concludes that smart devices can help spread peak loads on the electricity grid. Households can thus adjust their energy consumption without significant loss of comfort. TNO also indicates what is technically needed to make the devices smart and to utilize flexibility: an interoperable and open communication protocol so that smart devices and energy management systems can communicate with each other, financial incentives, and a technical safety net.

'Because there is no consensus in the market yet on the best solution for a protocol, coordination from the national government is important,' says Van Sambeek.