Heat pumps can play a role in mitigating grid congestion on low-voltage networks. However, the current installed base of heat pumps is hardly usable for this purpose due to the lack of a standard. This complicates and makes the deployment of heat pumps costly.
The report 'Toward Flexible Control of Heat Pumps in Two Steps' (english edition) provides a blueprint for quickly implementable protocols that make heat pumps flexibly controllable.
The surge in sustainable heating solutions, particularly heat pumps, in residential buildings is evident, with annual installations increasing by 30-40%. By 2030, it's projected that over one million heat pumps will be installed in the Netherlands alone, significantly boosting electricity demand.
This growth, coupled with electric vehicle adoption, poses a challenge to the current electricity grid's capacity, potentially leading to grid congestion, especially on low-voltage networks. Heat pumps, when equipped with switchable capabilities, present an opportunity to alleviate grid stress. They can absorb surplus electricity, respond to dynamic energy tariffs, and prevent disruptions like photovoltaic installations shutting down during congestion.
Recognizing heat pumps as a source of flexibility is crucial. With proper control protocols, heat pumps can modulate electrical power consumption over time, leveraging the thermal mass in buildings and other thermal energy storage systems. This flexibility allows heat pumps to serve as shiftable loads, aiding grid management. However, the current lack of standardized control protocols limits the potential for utilizing heat pumps effectively. Establishing uniform control mechanisms is essential to unlock the flexibility potential of heat pumps, enabling grid operators to manage congestion efficiently and support the transition to sustainable energy systems.
