Energy models coupling : soft-link between a long-term planning model and a dispatch model (EnergyScope TD - Dispa-SET)

In this work we describe a bi-directional soft-link methodology between a long-term Energy System Optimisation Model (ESOM) and an Unit Commitment and Economic Dispatch (UCED) model: EnergyScope Typical Days (ESTD) and Dispa-SET. The soft-link is applied to the electrical and heating sectors. The purpose of using this link is to gain insights into the adequacy and reliability of the output energy system given by ESTD. These are obtained via running Dispa-SET, as this has a greater technical and temporal resolution. When the energy system does not fit our established adequacy criterion, a feedback loop is applied to the ESOM: new constraints are added to the model to improve the output system. This link allows to get the best out of the two models rather than trying to incorporate all the features into one model, which could result in a long computational time. The method is automatic, and can be applied to complex energy systems, single or multi cell. The results of this methodology are shown for two cases: (i) an islanded Belgian energy system with a high share of renewable energy source and (ii) a scenario including both renewable and conventional energy production units (described in Limpens (2020)). The simulations show that the UCED model results are complementary with the ESOM regarding the unit dispatch. In fact, the soft-link method provides general trends regarding the way the ESOM outputs must be interpreted. Finally, the feedback loops are repeatedly applied to the above two cases, until the adequacy of the systems fit the set criteria.