E.M. Grobe

Bio: E.M. Grobe is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Intermittent energy source & Pumped-storage hydroelectricity. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 54 citations.

Sustainable electrical energy supply with wind and pumped storage - a realistic long-term strategy or utopia?

Abstract: Sustainability of the future energy supply based on renewable resources is a long-term strategic objective in view of limited fossil resources and avoidance of emissions and toxic waste. Of the various resources, available now or in future, wind is presently considered in Europe to hold most promise in the next few decades for contributing a sizable part of the electrical energy; generating electricity from wind is state of the art and feeding large amounts of wind power to the electrical grid is believed by many to be unproblematic. With recent data from one of the four control areas in Germany it is discussed how a sustainable energy supply based on off-shore wind power and pumped storage, called a "wind and water"-model, might look. It turns out that such an energy scheme, while feasible in principle, would require an immense storage capacity which would be impossible to realize. Thermal generation continues to be needed, based on various energy carriers, among them biomass according to availability

Stochastic Joint Optimization of Wind Generation and Pumped-Storage Units in an Electricity Market

Abstract: One of the main characteristics of wind power is the inherent variability and unpredictability of the generation source, even in the short-term. To cope with this drawback, hydro pumped-storage units have been proposed in the literature as a good complement to wind generation due to their ability to manage positive and negative energy imbalances over time. This paper investigates the combined optimization of a wind farm and a pumped-storage facility from the point of view of a generation company in a market environment. The optimization model is formulated as a two-stage stochastic programming problem with two random parameters: market prices and wind generation. The optimal bids for the day-ahead spot market are the ldquohere and nowrdquo decisions while the optimal operation of the facilities are the recourse variables. A joint configuration is modeled and compared with an uncoordinated operation. A realistic example case is presented where the developed models are tested with satisfactory results.

Optimal Allocation of ESS in Distribution Systems With a High Penetration of Wind Energy

Abstract: Environmental concerns and fuel cost uncertainties associated with the use of conventional energy sources have resulted in rapid growth in the amount of wind energy connected to distribution grids. However, based on Ontario's standard offer program (SOP), the utility has the right to curtail (spill) wind energy in order to avoid any violation of the system constraints. This means that any increase in wind energy production over a specific limit might be met with an increase in the wind energy curtailed. In spite of their cost, energy storage systems (ESSs) are considered to be a viable solution to this problem. This paper proposes a methodology for allocating an ESS in a distribution system with a high penetration of wind energy. The ultimate goal is to maximize the benefits for both the DG owner and the utility by sizing the ESS to accommodate all amounts of spilled wind energy and by then allocating it within the system in order to minimize the annual cost of the electricity. In addition, a cost/benefit analysis has been conducted in order to verify the feasibility of installing an ESS from the perspective of both the utility and the DG owner.

Optimization of Pumped Storage Capacity in an Isolated Power System With Large Renewable Penetration

Abstract: This work describes an economic analysis of the inclusion of pumped storage in a small island system that has abundant renewable energy available but that at times cannot accept all of this power because of limits imposed by security criteria. The question of whether or how much pumped storage to include is addressed by formulating a linear programming optimization problem. The stochastic nature of load and renewable production is addressed using scenarios developed through fuzzy clustering. Both the unit capacity in MW and the reservoir storage capacity in MWh are optimized, and optimal operating strategies for the scenarios are produced. Results showed that including pumped storage can be an effective means of allowing larger penetration of intermittent renewable energy sources, improving both the dynamic security and the economic operation of a test system. Including the dynamic security criteria in the economic question of dimensioning the pumped storage unit proved to make a significant difference in the optimal pumped storage capacity.

Advancement of energy storage devices and applications in electrical power system

Abstract: Overall structure of electrical power system is in the process of changing. For incremental growth, it is moving away from fossil fuel based operations to renewable energy resources that are more environmentally friendly and sustainable. At the same time it has to grow to meet the ever increasing need for more energy. These changes bring very unique opportunities and obstacles. Over the past few decades many new and innovative ideas have been explored in the broad area of energy storage. They range in size, capacity and complexity in design. Some of the systems are designed for applications in large scale power and others are performing short term energy storage ride through capabilities for critical manufacturing and technology systems. Energy storage technology has become an enabling technology for renewable energy applications and enhancing power quality in the transmission and distribution power systems. This paper summarizes all the advancements made and provide a composite picture of costs and trends in storage technologies.

Comparing Hedging Methods for Wind Power: Using Pumped Storage Hydro Units vs. Options Purchasing

Abstract: The main setback for wind energy is the uncertainty and uncontrollability of the energy source. Researchers are trying to create ways to handle this uncertainty by means of energy storage through pumped storage hydro facilities, compressed air facilities, etc. This paper will analyze the option of using a pumped storage hydro plant to negate this uncertainty from a financial viewpoint. In addition, this paper analyzes whether or not such an option is truly best by comparing it to the case where the wind farm can purchase call/put options to protect against the uncertainty of the wind. To determine the proper price of these options, the Black-Scholes options pricing model is used to ensure there is no ability to arbitrage, i.e. there is no free lunch. This second option will also consider the pumped storage plant's financial gain when working independent as well in order to make a fair comparison. The objective of this paper is to analyze the effectiveness of these hedging methods and the financial implications.