A simulation based feasibility study to satisfy the energy demand of SME production sites by their own multi-source renewable power plants

The current Energy system faces major changes being transformed from a centralised electricity grid to a distributed, bi-directional oriented smart grid to cope with the desired and on-going integration of renewable energies. This change leads to several technical and socio-economic challenges not only for the energy- and network providers but as well for their customers. To better meet these challenges induced by the changing energy system multifaceted research activities take place - rooted and fed by different disciplines, demonstrating the complex, interdisciplinary multi-level environment [1], [2]. The transition of the energy system goes along with uncertainties for energy consumers and a general unsettledness in the system. Focussing on the federal state of Lower Saxony, which already has a renewable energy generation of 39% [3], this paper addresses the question if the energy demand of small and medium sized production sites (SMEP) can be satisfied completely by renewable energies with regard to their specific characteristics. For this a simulation based self-sufficient energy system is developed consisting of a virtual power plant (VPP) and a consumer (SMEP). This model is used to evaluate the feasibility of self-sufficient energy supply for SMEP in every point in time. It is based on realistic and actual data aiming to have an energy balanced system. Exemplary simulation results for this real case scenario are given. The developed simulation model can also be easily adapted and used for other case studies.