In the heart of Beijing, researchers are breathing new life into an old technology, aiming to revolutionize how we manage the power grid’s frequency modulation. You Lv, a researcher at the State Key Laboratory of Alternate Electrical Power System with Renewable Energy Sources at North China Electric Power University, is leading the charge. His latest study, published in the International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems, explores how compressed air energy storage (CAES) can bolster the frequency modulation capabilities of thermal power units (TPUs), paving the way for a more stable and renewable energy-dominated power system.
As China and the world at large strive for carbon neutrality, the integration of renewable energy sources (RES) into the power grid has become a top priority. However, the intermittent nature of RES poses significant challenges to the grid’s frequency stability. This is where You Lv’s research comes into play. By combining the dynamic capabilities of CAES with the steady output of TPUs, the research team has developed an innovative charge-discharge control methodology that promises to enhance the power system’s frequency modulation capabilities.
The key to this innovation lies in the use of model predictive control (MPC), a advanced control strategy that considers the state of charge (SOC) of the CAES system to optimize the energy charge and discharge process. “The MPC strategy allows us to adaptively allocate power between the TPUs and CAES, ensuring a more stable and efficient frequency modulation,” You Lv explains.
To test the effectiveness of their strategy, the research team simulated two scenarios: step disturbance and continuous disturbance. The results were impressive. Compared to TPU-only frequency modulation, the proposed strategy achieved a 21.9% reduction in maximum frequency deviation following step disturbances, a 52.2% decrease in steady-state frequency deviation, and a 37.5% mitigation of TPU output power fluctuations under continuous disturbances.
The commercial implications of this research are substantial. As the world transitions towards a more renewable energy-dominated power system, the need for effective frequency modulation solutions will only grow. By integrating CAES with TPUs, power companies can enhance the stability of their grids, reduce the wear and tear on their thermal power units, and ultimately, provide a more reliable service to their customers.
Moreover, this research opens up new avenues for the development of hybrid energy storage systems. As You Lv points out, “The success of this strategy underscores the potential of combining different energy storage technologies to overcome the challenges posed by the integration of RES.”
The study, published in the International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems, also known as the International Journal of Electric Power Systems, is a significant step forward in the quest for a more stable and renewable energy-dominated power system. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, innovations like these will be crucial in shaping a sustainable energy future. The research team’s work serves as a testament to the power of innovation and the potential of combining old and new technologies to create a more sustainable future.