In the heart of China’s Zhejiang province, researchers are tackling one of the most formidable challenges facing the energy sector today: how to make power systems more resilient in the face of extreme weather events, particularly typhoons. At the forefront of this effort is Bohan Hu, a researcher at Zhejiang University’s College of Electrical Engineering. Hu’s latest work, published in the International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems, offers a novel approach to enhancing the resilience of high wind-penetrated power systems, a topic of growing importance as the world shifts towards renewable energy sources.
Typhoons, with their powerful winds and heavy rainfall, pose significant threats to power systems, particularly those with high penetration of wind energy. While wind power is a clean and abundant source of energy, it is also highly variable and sensitive to weather conditions. This variability can lead to significant fluctuations in power supply, compromising the stability and security of the grid. “The challenge is to harness the abundant wind energy while mitigating the adverse effects of typhoons,” Hu explains.
To address this challenge, Hu and his team have developed a sophisticated two-stage stochastic optimization model. This model integrates terrain considerations into the generation of typhoon wind fields, creating a more accurate representation of how typhoons interact with the landscape. This is a significant advancement, as terrain can greatly influence wind patterns and, consequently, the performance of wind turbines.
The model also captures uncertainties in both generation and load, allowing for more accurate day-ahead scheduling. This is crucial for the energy sector, as day-ahead scheduling helps to balance supply and demand, ensuring a stable power supply and minimizing costs. The model coordinates a range of flexible resources, including wind power generation, demand-side response, and energy storage, to minimize the expected total cost of day-ahead scheduling and real-time adjustments.
One of the most innovative aspects of Hu’s work is the introduction of a new metric: the Expected Cost of Real-Time Adjustments. This metric measures system resilience and validates its consistency in evaluating resilience levels. “This metric provides a quantitative way to assess the resilience of power systems, which is crucial for planning and investment decisions,” Hu notes.
The implications of this research for the energy sector are significant. As the world continues to shift towards renewable energy sources, the need for resilient power systems will only grow. Hu’s work provides a roadmap for enhancing the resilience of high wind-penetrated power systems, helping to ensure a stable and secure power supply in the face of extreme weather events.
Moreover, the integration of terrain considerations into the generation of typhoon wind fields and the coordination of multiple flexible resources represent significant advancements in the field. These innovations could pave the way for more sophisticated and effective power system management strategies, benefiting both energy providers and consumers.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, research like Hu’s will be crucial in shaping its future. By enhancing the resilience of power systems, we can ensure a more stable and secure energy supply, paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future. The research was published in the International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems, also known in English as the International Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems.