Network constrained wind integration : An optimal cost approach
Date
2006
Authors
Maddaloni, Jesse D.
Rowe, Andrew M.
van Kooten, G. Cornelis
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Resource Economics and Policy Analysis (REPA) Research Group Department of Economics University of Victoria
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 levelling technique, ensuring that generation meets demand in every period. The current research considers the power transmission system as well as load levelling. 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, even for a grid heavily dependent on hydroelectricity, the addition of wind power can create difficulties, with system costs increasing with wind penetration, sometimes significantly.
Description
The authors would like to thank Matt Schuett, Justin Blanchfield, Pablo Benítez, Ned Djilali, Lawrence Pitt, Alan Tucker and Peter Wild for their contributions to this work.
Keywords
Electric networks, optimal power flow, wind power, intermittent sources
Citation
REPA Working papers 2006-05