In the dynamic world of renewable energy, the integration of wind, solar, and hydropower has long been a goal for achieving a stable and sustainable energy grid. However, the intermittent nature of wind and solar power poses significant challenges for grid stability and efficient energy distribution. A groundbreaking study led by Xianshan Li, a researcher at the College of Electrical Engineering & New Energy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China, addresses these challenges head-on. The study, published in ‘Zhongguo dianli’ (Chinese Journal of Power), introduces a novel four-stage optimization scheduling model for a wind-solar-hydro alliance, focusing on the flexible regulation of hydropower to enhance grid stability and economic benefits.
The research tackles key issues in cross-regional energy consumption, such as the efficient use of cascade energy storage and the fair allocation of hydropower regulation costs. Li explains, “Our model aims to minimize suppression errors and costs by establishing a wind-solar power fluctuation suppression model based on cascade energy storage regulation.” This approach not only stabilizes the grid but also ensures that the benefits are fairly distributed among all stakeholders.
One of the standout features of this model is its use of a master-slave game theory to optimize power grid pricing and the alliance’s power sales plan. This innovative approach allows for a win-win scenario where both the power grid and the wind-solar-hydro alliance maximize their benefits. Li elaborates, “By constructing a master-slave game model, we can optimize the power grid price and alliance power sales plan, achieving the maximum benefit for both parties.”
The study also introduces a robust optimization model that considers the uncertainties of wind, solar, and hydropower. This ensures that the energy scheduling strategy is both economical and resilient, providing a reliable framework for future energy management. Additionally, an asymmetric Nash negotiation model is employed to fairly distribute the cooperation surplus and allocate hydropower regulation costs, ensuring that all parties involved in the alliance benefit equitably.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. For the energy sector, this model could revolutionize how renewable energy sources are integrated into the grid, making it more stable and efficient. It also paves the way for fairer cost allocation and benefit distribution, which could incentivize more widespread adoption of renewable energy sources. As Li notes, “The proposed method can fairly improve the net profit of all stakeholders after cooperation, and is conducive to maintaining the stability of alliance cooperation and promoting the cross-regional consumption of wind-solar-hydro integrated energy.”
This research is a significant step forward in the quest for a sustainable and stable energy future. By addressing the complexities of integrating wind, solar, and hydropower, Li’s work offers a roadmap for the energy sector to navigate the challenges of renewable energy integration. As the world continues to shift towards cleaner energy sources, models like this will be crucial in ensuring that the transition is both efficient and equitable.
