In the rapidly evolving landscape of renewable energy integration, a groundbreaking study published in *Power Construction* (Dianli Jianshe) offers a novel approach to optimizing power system dispatch. Led by XIAO Bai from Northeast Electric Power University, the research introduces a day-ahead optimal dispatch method based on the concept of evolving virtual net load, addressing the challenges posed by source-load uncertainty in new power systems.
The study, co-authored by YU Haiyang, JIAO Mingxi, WANG Daliang, ZHANG Dachi, YAO Di, and XIN Haokuo, focuses on mitigating the adverse effects of uncertainty in renewable energy sources and load demand. By leveraging an informer model to generate time series data for wind-solar power and load, the researchers define and calculate the evolution of virtual net load within the power system. This approach enables the development of a new day-ahead optimal scheduling model that minimizes total system costs, including operating and carbon emission costs, while incorporating system flexibility constraints.
“Our method effectively improves the system’s ability to cope with source-load uncertainty fluctuations,” said XIAO Bai, the lead author. “It reduces carbon emission costs and promotes the consumption of on-grid electricity for renewable energy power generation projects.”
The research demonstrates that the proposed method can balance policy requirements and economic interests by considering both the guaranteed purchase of renewable energy and market-oriented bidding incentives. This dual focus ensures the safe operation of the system while optimizing power generation costs and carbon revenue at the unit level.
For the energy sector, the implications are significant. As renewable energy sources continue to grow, the ability to integrate these variable resources into the grid becomes increasingly critical. The evolving virtual net load concept provides a framework for better managing the intermittency of wind and solar power, enhancing grid stability, and reducing operational costs.
“By incorporating system flexibility constraints, our model reflects the demand of source-load uncertainty through the concept of evolutionary virtual net load,” added XIAO Bai. “This approach not only ensures the safe operation of the system but also achieves economic and low-carbon improvements.”
The study’s findings are particularly relevant for power supply companies and grid operators. For instance, the Changchun Power Supply Company, one of the affiliated institutions of the lead authors, can benefit from this method to enhance their grid’s resilience and efficiency. Similarly, the Power Economic Research Institute, another affiliated institution, can use these insights to inform policy and economic strategies.
As the energy sector transitions towards a more sustainable future, the research published in *Power Construction* offers a promising solution to the challenges of renewable energy integration. By optimizing day-ahead dispatch and reducing carbon emission costs, this method paves the way for a more stable, efficient, and environmentally friendly power system. The evolving virtual net load concept is poised to shape future developments in the field, driving innovation and progress in the energy sector.