In the quest to bolster the integration of renewable energy into power grids, researchers have developed a novel economic scheduling strategy that could significantly enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of distribution networks. This innovative approach, published in *Power System Technology*, leverages the unique capabilities of data centers (DCs) and energy storage devices to optimize grid operations.
At the heart of this research is the coordinated scheduling of data centers and energy storage systems, which aims to address the challenges posed by the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources. By utilizing the spatiotemporal flexibility of data centers and the balancing capabilities of energy storage, the strategy effectively smooths out the peaks and valleys in energy demand, a process known as peak shaving and valley filling.
“Our goal was to create a system that not only reduces operational costs but also maximizes the consumption of new energy,” said Ma Haoran, the lead author of the study and a researcher at the Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Renewable Energy Power Generation and Grid Connection Control at Xinjiang University. “By doing so, we can significantly improve the overall efficiency of the distribution network.”
The researchers employed an improved sparrow search algorithm (ISSA) to optimize the scheduling model. This algorithm, enhanced with Tent Chaos initialization and multi-population competition mechanisms, demonstrated superior search performance, enabling the model to achieve optimal matching of flexible loads and new energy under various constraints.
The study’s findings were validated using improved IEEE 30 and IEEE 33 node systems, which confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed strategy. The results showed a notable reduction in overall operational costs and a substantial increase in the new energy consumption rate.
“This research provides a valuable reference for future studies on economic dispatch of distribution networks,” Ma added. “It offers a practical approach to integrating renewable energy sources more effectively, which is crucial for the energy sector’s transition towards sustainability.”
The implications of this research are far-reaching. By optimizing the economic scheduling of active distribution networks, the strategy can help power generation companies reduce costs while enhancing the grid’s capacity to consume renewable energy. This not only supports the growth of the renewable energy sector but also contributes to the broader goal of creating a more sustainable and efficient energy infrastructure.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the integration of innovative technologies like data centers and energy storage devices will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of power distribution. This research underscores the importance of leveraging advanced algorithms and coordinated scheduling strategies to achieve these goals, paving the way for a more resilient and efficient energy landscape.