A Comparison of methods for sizing energy storage devices in renewable energy systems
Date
2013-01-15
Authors
Bailey, Thomas
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Abstract
Penetration of renewable energy generators into energy systems is increasing. The
intermittency and variability of these generators makes supplying energy reliably and
cost effectively difficult. As a result, storage technologies are proposed as a means to
increase the penetration of renewable energy, to minimize the amount of curtailed
renewable energy, and to limit the amount of back-up supply. Therefore, methods for
determining an energy system’s storage requirements are being developed. This thesis
investigates and details four existing methods, proposes and develops a fifth method, and
compares the results of all five methods. The results show that methods which
incorporate cost, namely the Dynamic Optimization and the Abbey method, consistently
yield the most cost effective solutions. Under excellent renewable energy conditions the
results show that the cost-independent methods of Korpaas, Barton, and the Modified
Barton method produce solutions that are nearly as cost effective but have greater
reliability of energy supply than the Dynamic Optimization and Abbey solutions. This
thesis recommends a new path of research for the Modified Barton method: the
incorporation of cost through the confidence level. This thesis also recommends the
development of new sizing methods from various aspects of the methods presented.
Description
Keywords
Energy Storage, Renewable Energy, Power, Energy, Wind Power, Energy Systems, Electricity