Techno-economic optimization of integrating wind power into constrained electric networks

Date

2010-02-23T19:52:07Z

Authors

Maddaloni, Jesse David

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Abstract

Planning electricity supply is important because power demand continues to increase while there is a concomitant desire to increase reliance on renewable sources. Extant, research pays particular attention to highly variable, low-carbon energy sources such as wind and small-scale hydroelectric power. Models generally employ only a simple load leveling technique, ensuring that generation meets demand in every period. The current research considers the power transmission system as well as load leveling. A network model is developed to simulate the integration of highly variable non-dispatchable power into an electrical grid that relies on traditional generation sources, while remaining within the network's operating constraints. The model minimizes a quadratic cost function over two periods of 336 hours, with periods representing low (summer) and high (winter) demand, subject to various linear constraints. The model is numerically solved using Matlab and GAMS software environments. Results indicate that the economic benefit of introducing zero cost wind into an existing system heavily depends on the existing generation mixture, with system cost reductions favoring wind penetration into thermally dominated mixtures. Results also show that integrating wind power into a generation mixture with a large percentage of coal capacity can increase emissions for moderate wind penetrations, and that coal facilities may economically replace lower cost alternatives under certain conditions.

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Keywords

wind power, electric power production

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