In an era where renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly vital to the global energy landscape, a recent study has unveiled a transformative approach to managing power generation systems that integrate a high proportion of new energy sources. Researchers from the Dispatching and Control Center of China Southern Power Grid, along with colleagues from Hohai University and NR Electric Co., Ltd., have proposed a multi-time scale coordinated scheduling model aimed at optimizing the accommodation of renewable energy, specifically wind and solar power, in the power grid.
The study, published in ‘Shanghai Jiaotong Daxue xuebao’—translated as the Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University—addresses a pressing challenge: how to effectively incorporate fluctuating energy sources while maintaining system reliability and minimizing costs. The researchers emphasize that as the accuracy of predictions for wind, photovoltaic (PV) generation, and load demand improves with shorter time frames, a three-phase scheduling model can be developed. This model comprises a 24-hour day-ahead plan, a 1-hour intraday plan, and a 15-minute real-time plan, allowing for progressive adjustments to power generation strategies.
Lead author GU Huijie noted, “By coordinating across multiple time scales, we can ensure that the output from pumped storage, wind, PV, and thermal power sources aligns closely with actual load demands.” This approach not only enhances the reliability of power supply but also significantly reduces the curtailment of renewable energy, which is often wasted due to lack of demand or storage capacity.
The implications of this research extend beyond theoretical advancements; they carry substantial commercial potential for energy providers. By optimizing the use of pumped storage units, which respond quickly to load changes, the model alleviates the regulatory burden on thermal power units. This is particularly crucial as energy markets increasingly shift toward renewable sources. The ability to integrate and manage diverse energy inputs effectively can lead to cost savings and improved operational efficiency for power companies.
The researchers utilized CPLEX commercial optimization software and a mixed integer linear programming method to simulate their proposed model with a system that includes six pumped storage units. The results demonstrated that this coordinated scheduling not only enhances the integration of renewable energy into the grid but also supports the overall stability of the power system.
As the energy sector continues to evolve with growing investments in renewable technologies, the findings from this study could pave the way for more sophisticated energy management systems. The integration of advanced scheduling models may ultimately lead to a more resilient grid capable of accommodating the demands of a cleaner energy future.
For those interested in the detailed findings and methodologies, the research can be accessed through the lead author’s affiliation, available at Dispatching and Control Center, China Southern Power Grid.
