A review of computer tools for analysing the integration of renewable energy into various energy systems

This paper provides an overview of grid code technical requirements regarding the connection of large wind farms to the electric power systems. The grid codes examined are generally compiled by transmission system operators (TSOs) of countries or regions with high wind penetration and therefore incorporate the accumulated experience after several years of system operation at significant wind penetration levels. The paper focuses on the most important technical requirements for wind farms, included in most grid codes, such as active and reactive power regulation, voltage and frequency operating limits and wind farm behaviour during grid disturbances. The paper also includes a review of modern wind turbine technologies, regarding their capability of satisfying the requirements set by the codes, demonstrating that recent developments in wind turbine technology provide wind farms with stability and regulation capabilities directly comparable to those of conventional generating plants.

A review of grid code technical requirements for wind farms

The paper reviews different approaches, technologies, and strategies to manage large-scale schemes of variable renewable electricity such as solar and wind power. We consider both supply and demand side measures. In addition to presenting energy system flexibility measures, their importance to renewable electricity is discussed. The flexibility measures available range from traditional ones such as grid extension or pumped hydro storage to more advanced strategies such as demand side management and demand side linked approaches, e.g. the use of electric vehicles for storing excess electricity, but also providing grid support services. Advanced batteries may offer new solutions in the future, though the high costs associated with batteries may restrict their use to smaller scale applications. Different “P2Y”-type of strategies, where P stands for surplus renewable power and Y for the energy form or energy service to which this excess in converted to, e.g. thermal energy, hydrogen, gas or mobility are receiving much attention as potential flexibility solutions, making use of the energy system as a whole. To “functionalize” or to assess the value of the various energy system flexibility measures, these need often be put into an electricity/energy market or utility service context. Summarizing, the outlook for managing large amounts of RE power in terms of options available seems to be promising.

https://research.aalto.fi/files/6557604/lund_et_al_review.pdf

Review of energy system flexibility measures to enable high levels of variable renewable electricity

The Global Energy Assessment (GEA) brings together over 300 international researchers to provide an independent, scientifically based, integrated and policy-relevant analysis of current and emerging energy issues and options. It has been peer-reviewed anonymously by an additional 200 international experts. The GEA assesses the major global challenges for sustainable development and their linkages to energy; the technologies and resources available for providing energy services; future energy systems that address the major challenges; and the policies and other measures that are needed to realize transformational change toward sustainable energy futures. The GEA goes beyond existing studies on energy issues by presenting a comprehensive and integrated analysis of energy chalenges, opportunities and strategies, for developing, industrialized and emerging economies. This volume is a invaluable resource for energy specialists and technologists in all sectors (academia, industry and government) as well as policymakers, development economists and practitioners in international organizations and national governments.

Global Energy Assessment: Toward a Sustainable Future

Energy systems models are important methods used to generate a range of insight and analysis on the supply and demand of energy. Developed over the second half of the twentieth century, they are now seeing increased relevance in the face of stringent climate policy, energy security and economic development concerns, and increasing challenges due to the changing nature of the twenty-first century energy system. In this paper, we look particularly at models relevant to national and international energy policy, grouping them into four categories: energy systems optimization models, energy systems simulation models, power systems and electricity market models, and qualitative and mixed-methods scenarios. We examine four challenges they face and the efforts being taken to address them: (1) resolving time and space, (2) balancing uncertainty and transparency, (3) addressing the growing complexity of the energy system, and (4) integrating human behavior and social risks and opportunities. In discussing these challenges, we present possible avenues for future research and make recommendations to ensure the continued relevance for energy systems models as important sources of information for policy-making.

https://www.pfenninger.org/publications-pdf/Pfenninger%20et%20al_2014_Energy%20systems%20modeling%20for%20twenty-first%20century%20energy%20challenges.pdf

Energy systems modeling for twenty-first century energy challenges

Impact of wind generation on the operation and development of the UK electricity systems

There are already several power systems coping with large amounts of wind power. Hi h penetration of wind power has impacts that have to be manage through proper plant interconnection, integration, ...

Design and operation of power systems with large amounts of wind power

/pdf/design-and-operation-of-power-systems-with-large-amounts-of-h7svajp91j.pdf

Design and operation of power systems with large amounts of wind power: State of the art report

Operational costs induced by fluctuating wind power production in Germany and Scandinavia

Any views expressed are those of the author(s) alone and do not necessarily represent the view of UKERC or the Research Councils. We are grateful to the Research Councils for their support. The UK Energy Research Centre carries out world-class research into sustainable future energy systems. It is the hub of UK energy research and the gateway between the UK and the international energy research communities. Our interdisciplinary, whole systems research informs UK policy development and research strategy. Introduction 1. Climate change and energy security have come to dominate the energy policy agenda. Concerns about energy security in the UK have been driven by the loss of self-sufficiency in oil and natural gas and a growing dependency on imports. 2. This report explores ways of enhancing the " resilience " of the UK energy system to withstand external shocks and examines how such measures interact with those designed to reduce carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions. The concept of resilience is explored and a set of " indicators " is developed to define quantitatively the characteristics of a resilient energy system. In the report we systematically test the response of the UK energy system under different scenarios to hypothetical shocks. These are all assumed to involve the loss of gas infrastructure. We then assess mitigating measures which can help to reduce the impact of these shocks and test their cost effectiveness using an insurance analogy. 3. The report covers one workstream in the larger UK Energy 2050 project conducted by UKERC. The wider project is described comprehensively in a Synthesis Report (Skea et al., 2009) and in a book exploring the project and a wider range of policy issues (Skea et al., 2011). In particular, the scenarios describing broad energy system change which frame the analysis in this report are covered only briefly. Readers interested in underlying assumptions about energy demand and supply are referred to these other publications. 4. We have used three energy models to conduct this analysis. The first is the MARKAL-MED model, a linear optimisation model which covers the entire UK energy system and can address interactions between different parts of the energy system. 5. The second is the WASP electricity generation planning model originally developed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). It is used to explore, in more detail, the levels of generation investment needed to maintain reliable supplies. It is a cost minimising model. …

Anser Shakoor

Papers

Impact of wind generation on the operation and development of the UK electricity systems

Design and operation of power systems with large amounts of wind power

Design and operation of power systems with large amounts of wind power: State of the art report

Operational costs induced by fluctuating wind power production in Germany and Scandinavia

Building a Resilient UK Energy System