TY - JOUR
T1 - Modeling flexibility in energy systems — comparison of power sector models based on simplified test cases
AU - Gils, Hans Christian
AU - Gardian, Hedda
AU - Kittel, Martin
AU - Schill, Wolf Peter
AU - Zerrahn, Alexander
AU - Murmann, Alexander
AU - Launer, Jann
AU - Fehler, Alexander
AU - Gaumnitz, Felix
AU - van Ouwerkerk, Jonas
AU - Bußar, Christian
AU - Mikurda, Jennifer
AU - Torralba-Díaz, Laura
AU - Janßen, Tomke
AU - Krüger, Christine
PY - 2022
Y1 - 2022
N2 - Model-based scenario analyses of future energy systems often come to deviating results and conclusions when different models are used. This may be caused by heterogeneous input data and by inherent differences in model formulations. The representation of technologies for the conversion, storage, use, and transport of energy is usually stylized in comprehensive system models in order to limit the size of the mathematical problem, and may substantially differ between models. This paper presents a systematic comparison of nine power sector models with sector coupling. We analyze the impact of differences in the representation of technologies, optimization approaches, and further model features on model outcomes. The comparison uses fully harmonized input data and highly simplified system configurations to isolate and quantify model-specific effects. We identify structural differences in terms of the optimization approach between the models. Furthermore, we find substantial differences in technology modeling primarily for battery electric vehicles, reservoir hydro power, power transmission, and demand response. These depend largely on the specific focus of the models. In model analyses where these technologies are a relevant factor, it is therefore important to be aware of potential effects of the chosen modeling approach. For the detailed analysis of the effect of individual differences in technology modeling and model features, the chosen approach of highly simplified test cases is suitable, as it allows to isolate the effects of model-specific differences on results. However, it strongly limits the model's degrees of freedom, which reduces its suitability for the evaluation of fundamentally different modeling approaches.
AB - Model-based scenario analyses of future energy systems often come to deviating results and conclusions when different models are used. This may be caused by heterogeneous input data and by inherent differences in model formulations. The representation of technologies for the conversion, storage, use, and transport of energy is usually stylized in comprehensive system models in order to limit the size of the mathematical problem, and may substantially differ between models. This paper presents a systematic comparison of nine power sector models with sector coupling. We analyze the impact of differences in the representation of technologies, optimization approaches, and further model features on model outcomes. The comparison uses fully harmonized input data and highly simplified system configurations to isolate and quantify model-specific effects. We identify structural differences in terms of the optimization approach between the models. Furthermore, we find substantial differences in technology modeling primarily for battery electric vehicles, reservoir hydro power, power transmission, and demand response. These depend largely on the specific focus of the models. In model analyses where these technologies are a relevant factor, it is therefore important to be aware of potential effects of the chosen modeling approach. For the detailed analysis of the effect of individual differences in technology modeling and model features, the chosen approach of highly simplified test cases is suitable, as it allows to isolate the effects of model-specific differences on results. However, it strongly limits the model's degrees of freedom, which reduces its suitability for the evaluation of fundamentally different modeling approaches.
KW - Model comparison
KW - Optimization
KW - Power sector modeling
KW - Sector coupling
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85123596249&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.rser.2021.111995
DO - 10.1016/j.rser.2021.111995
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85123596249
SN - 1364-0321
VL - 158
JO - Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
JF - Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
M1 - 111995
ER -