Universities as a source of grid flexibility: A case study

Abstract

This paper presents a case study for Ulster University (UU) campus using NEPLAN Electricity simulation software to study the potential of providing flexibility to the distribution network. Three simulation scenarios were done by adding battery energy storage (BES) to the campus, adding a third wind turbine, and finally adding storage with a third wind turbine. The simulation results show that adding a third turbine without BES will not have that extra benefit to the UU, and a BES should be considered to get the benefit from excess generation from the wind turbine. UU campus ability to manage to cover its load from renewables and BES will allow to reduce the total network demand and solve congestions that may happen from load increasing in the network.