In the rapidly evolving landscape of energy management, a groundbreaking study published by researchers from the East China Branch of State Grid Corporation of China and Shanghai Jiao Tong University is set to revolutionize how pumped hydro storage and power grids interact. The research, led by Lou Wei and his team, introduces a novel multi-agent coordinated dispatch method that embeds a market game model, promising significant economic and operational benefits for the energy sector.
The challenge at hand is complex: large-scale energy storage stations, like pumped hydro storage, often struggle to integrate seamlessly with spot trading and grid scheduling. This disconnect can lead to inefficiencies and increased operational costs. Lou Wei and his colleagues have developed a strategy that addresses this issue head-on. “Our method considers the influence of spot electricity trading on pumped storage scheduling,” explains Lou Wei. “By embedding a market game model, we can optimize the participation of pumped storage in the spot market, thereby maximizing its benefits.”
The proposed approach involves a bi-level optimization problem. At the upper level, the pumped storage power station strategizes its participation in the electric energy spot market, aiming to maximize its economic gains. At the lower level, the grid operator formulates a capacity allocation and power dispatching strategy to minimize grid operating costs and reduce the amount of renewable energy discarded. This dual-layered strategy leverages a Stackelberg game model, where the pumped storage power station and the grid operator make decisions in a sequential manner.
The integration of these strategies is achieved through the strong dual theory, which ensures that the decisions made at both levels are coherent and mutually beneficial. The researchers employed the NSGA-II algorithm to solve the embedded bi-objective problem, ensuring an efficient and effective solution.
To validate their method, the team built a simulation model using data from a pumped storage power station in East China. The results were impressive: the proposed method effectively coordinated direct grid dispatching and pumped storage participation in the electric energy spot market. This coordination enhanced the economic benefits of pumped storage, reduced grid operating costs, and improved the consumption of renewable energy.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. As the energy sector continues to shift towards renewable sources, the ability to efficiently manage and integrate large-scale energy storage solutions will become increasingly crucial. This study paves the way for more sophisticated and economically viable energy management strategies, potentially transforming how power grids operate globally.
The research was published in Shanghai Jiaotong Daxue xuebao, which translates to the Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Science). As the energy sector continues to evolve, the insights from this study could shape future developments, driving innovation and efficiency in energy management. The commercial impacts are significant, offering a pathway to reduced costs, enhanced renewable energy integration, and a more resilient energy infrastructure.
