In the vast, sun-drenched landscapes of Northwest China, a persistent challenge has been the underutilization of wind power, a phenomenon known as wind curtailment. This issue has long plagued the region, but a groundbreaking study led by Xinyuan Liu, a researcher at State Grid Shanxi Electric Power Research Institute in Taiyuan, is poised to change the game. The study, published in the journal Zhongguo dianli (China Electric Power), introduces a novel scheduling strategy that could significantly enhance wind power accommodation and reduce operational costs.
The research focuses on the integration of concentrated solar power (CSP) stations equipped with thermal energy storage (TES) and wind farms. By leveraging the adjustable resources on both the generation and load sides, Liu and his team have developed a day-ahead and intra-day scheduling model that optimizes the use of these renewable energy sources. “The key is to make full use of the adjustable resources on both sides of generation and load and their characteristics,” Liu explains. This approach not only minimizes wind curtailment but also reduces the overall system cost, a win-win for the energy sector.
The day-ahead scheduling model incorporates price-based demand response (PDR), which incentivizes consumers to adjust their energy usage based on price signals. This strategy takes advantage of the long response time of residential loads, ensuring that energy is used efficiently and cost-effectively. “By shifting energy consumption to off-peak hours, we can better accommodate wind power and reduce the strain on the grid,” Liu notes.
The intra-day scheduling model, on the other hand, focuses on the flexible adjustment ability of CSP stations and the short response time of intensive energy loads. This model fine-tunes the day-ahead plan based on real-time wind power forecasts, ensuring that the system operates at peak efficiency throughout the day. The result is a more stable and reliable energy supply, with less reliance on fossil fuels and a significant reduction in wind curtailment.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. For the energy sector, this could mean a more efficient and cost-effective integration of renewable energy sources, leading to a greener and more sustainable future. As Liu’s work demonstrates, the key to unlocking the full potential of wind and solar power lies in smart scheduling and coordination between generation and load.
The study’s findings, published in Zhongguo dianli, or China Electric Power, provide a roadmap for energy providers and policymakers to optimize their renewable energy strategies. By adopting these scheduling models, energy providers can not only reduce operational costs but also enhance their commitment to sustainability. As the world continues to shift towards renewable energy, Liu’s research offers a compelling blueprint for a more efficient and sustainable energy future.
