In the frost-kissed landscapes of Northern China, a significant challenge has long plagued the energy sector: the curtailment of wind power during the harsh winter months. This issue arises from the limited peak regulation capacities of large-scale combined heat and power (CHP) units, which are constrained by the region’s substantial heating demands. However, a groundbreaking study led by Yulong Yang from the Electrical Engineering College at Northeast Electric Power University in Jilin, China, offers a promising solution to this persistent problem.
Yang’s research, recently published in ‘Zhongguo dianli’ (China Electric Power), delves into the coordinated optimization of CHP units, energy storage, and thermal storage systems. The study introduces a hierarchical model designed to maximize the benefits of thermal storage and peak load regulation, ultimately enhancing the accommodation of curtailed wind power. “By integrating electrical energy storage and thermal storage devices, we can significantly improve the peak regulation capacities of CHP units,” Yang explains. This innovative approach not only boosts system operating benefits in the power market but also reduces the amount of wind power that goes to waste.
The crux of Yang’s method lies in its hierarchical structure, which considers wind power accommodation, heating demand constraints, and the operational limits of CHP units, electrical, and thermal energy storage. Through meticulous simulation testing, the research demonstrates how electrical energy storage devices and thermal storage devices can operate in harmony. This coordination leverages the multi-day adjustment capabilities of thermal storage, ensuring that the system operates more efficiently and effectively.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. For the energy sector, it presents a viable pathway to mitigate wind power curtailment, a longstanding issue that has hindered the full utilization of renewable energy sources. By optimizing the use of energy and thermal storage, power plants can better manage peak loads and integrate more wind power into the grid. This not only enhances the reliability and stability of the power supply but also supports the transition to a more sustainable energy landscape.
Yang’s findings are particularly relevant for regions like Northern China, where the demand for heating during winter months poses unique challenges. However, the principles outlined in this study could be adapted to other areas facing similar issues, making it a valuable contribution to the global energy discourse. As the world continues to grapple with the complexities of renewable energy integration, research like Yang’s offers a beacon of hope, showcasing how innovative thinking and technological advancements can pave the way for a more efficient and sustainable future.
