Recent research led by Kaleem Ullah from the US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Energy at the University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar has unveiled innovative strategies for optimizing frequency ancillary services in modern power systems. Published in the journal “e-Prime: Advances in Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Energy,” the study addresses a pressing challenge in the energy sector: the integration of intermittent wind energy into existing power grids.
As countries worldwide increasingly rely on wind energy, the unpredictability of this renewable source can result in forecasting errors. This unpredictability necessitates the use of supplementary reserves from conventional energy sources, which can lead to higher operational costs and increased carbon emissions. Ullah’s research aims to mitigate these issues by developing dynamic real-time power dispatch strategies for the Automatic Generation Control (AGC) system. This system is designed to integrate the reserve capacities of both conventional generation units and wind power plants, while also utilizing the capabilities of flexible loads for power balancing.
The research utilized a comprehensive power system grid model created in DigSilent PowerFactory software. This model included coal-based energy systems, wind energy systems, gas turbines, and cold storage units as flexible loads. By conducting various case studies, the researchers assessed the impact of different scenarios on system operations, particularly focusing on how to effectively manage forecasting errors associated with wind power generation.
One of the standout findings from the research was that Case Study III, which combined reserves from coal energy systems and cold storage units, achieved a remarkable reduction in Positive Regulation (PR) and Negative Regulation (NR) errors—89.0% and 94.15%, respectively. In contrast, Case Study IV, which relied on reserves from wind energy systems and flexible loads without the support of conventional power plants, showed lower reductions in errors, at 67.82% for PR and 78.41% for NR.
Ullah emphasized the potential for a more flexible and resilient energy system, stating, “The integration of renewable energy sources and flexible loads can significantly enhance power balancing services, reducing the reliance on conventional energy sources.” This shift not only holds promise for improving grid reliability but also offers commercial opportunities for sectors involved in energy generation and management.
As the energy landscape evolves, this research highlights the importance of innovative power dispatch strategies, paving the way for a cleaner and more efficient energy future. The findings underscore a growing trend toward utilizing diverse energy sources and advanced technologies to optimize grid performance, a crucial step for countries aiming to meet their renewable energy targets while ensuring stability in power supply.
The implications of this research extend beyond academic interest, offering valuable insights for energy producers, policymakers, and technology developers looking to enhance their operations and reduce environmental impacts. The findings from Ullah’s study in “e-Prime: Advances in Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Energy” represent a significant contribution to the ongoing discourse on energy transition and sustainability.
