Flexible households. On the assessment of demand-side flexibility in the residential sector

This work deals with the estimation of demand-side flexibility in the Belgian residential sector. A framework for the estimation of load curves and the subsequent offer of flexibility is developed, by unifying in a single open-source Python framework pre-developed tools, adapted for the purpose, and self-developed tools. The tool is developed to support policy development and with a modular structure, as to allow for future developments and the addition of different modelling strategies. The tool has then been applied to conduct a detailed analysis of the Belgian residential sector, and to estimate its potential demand-side flexibility. Readily available forms of flexibility have been considered, narrowing the demand response practices to load shifting, and the technologies considered to wet appliances, electric domestic hot water, heat pump heating and electric vehicles. Prosumers installing solar panels have been considered as well, and different combinations of load shifting and battery storage have been modelled.