Modelling demand flexibility and energy storage to support increased penetration of renewable energy resources on Porto Santo

Abstract

This paper assesses the contribution of a controllable load (a reverse osmosis [RO] seawater desalination plant), together with an energy storage system in Porto Santo's small islanded electric power system. The controllable load and storage system are used to (i) smooth the net-demand fluctuations and adapt it to the availability of renewable energy sources (RES), thus avoiding possible curtailments and contributing to a higher dissemination of RES, (ii) minimize the overall operational cost associated with the production of electricity and potable-water, and (iii) reduce the environmental pollutants associated with the electric power systems on the island. The nonlinear nature of the problem makes it difficult to quickly obtain a robust solution through conventional mathematical tools. Therefore, an evolutionary algorithm is developed to find feasible solutions for dispatching the resources for a one-week simulation period. The proposed algorithm determined the power output of the conventional thermal power plant, the RO desalination plant operating periods, and the storage charging and discharging periods and powers. In the proposed scenario, through a seven-day simulation, 50% of the demand is supplied by renewable sources. The numerical results illustrate a reduction in the average total electricity-peak demand of the island. The obtained diagrams are compared with the data gathered on Porto Santo's energy system. They display that the proposed solution is economically beneficial for the management of the electric power grid of the island of Porto Santo, while reducing the global warming potential (GWP) of the electric power system. Furthermore, it reveals that in a scenario with 50% penetration of renewable sources, through the proposed solution, a more efficient and predictable operation of the conventional electricity generators and the RO desalination plants can be achieved.

Flexibility from Industrial Demand-Side Management in a Net-Zero Sector-Coupled Energy System

“…Studies have shown how industrial DSM can affect the costs and environmental impacts for individual industrial sites [15][16][17]. Studies have also considered the contributions of industrial DSM from an overall system perspective [18,19].…”

Optimal planning of energy and water systems of a small island with a hourly OSeMOSYS model

“…Also, Meschede et al [15] analysed the flexibility potential of a RO plant in La Gomera, Gran Canary, Spain highlighting a potential contribution of the magnitude of GWh and also pinpointing that a limited number of stakeholders need to be involved thus making the realisation of such solution easier to apply. Furthermore, Torabi et al in two studies, [16] and [17], tested an RO plant in Porto Santo, Portugal, as a deferrable load proving the benefit it would bring in terms of CO 2 emissions reduction and peak shaving potential. Also, Liu and Mater [18] proved the flexibility potential of such technology.…”

Flexibility Robust Optimal Operation Strategy for Cross-Regional Interconnected Power Under Load-Source Coordination

“…(1) Improvement of the regulation ability of each component in the power system and the power grid itself. For example, when energy storage [21] and compensation [22,23] devices are connected to the system, the resilience of the transmission capacity is strengthened [24] .…”