Base load power plant

About: Base load power plant is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 6121 publications have been published within this topic receiving 96788 citations.

A Data-Driven Approach for Targeting Residential Customers for Energy Efficiency Programs

Abstract: Targeting the right customers for energy efficiency (EE) programs is crucial for the power distribution or retail companies to enhance the efficiency of marketing budget allocation and the yield of energy savings. This work presents a scalable methodology for targeting residential customers for EE programs that focus on reducing unnecessary domestic energy consumption and replacing low efficient refrigerator-freezers by using smart meter data and daily temperature data. A novel method is proposed to detect baseload (i.e., power constantly consumed by some appliances that are never turned off) segments from daily load profiles. Test on ground truth data shows the high accuracy performance of the proposed method and its adaptiveness to the heterogeneity in energy consumptions across customers. Then we discuss how the proposed method can be utilized to identify customers with high baseload energy saving potentials and low efficient refrigerator-freezers. Case studies validate that the proposed targeting strategy far outperforms random selection.

Buildings-to-Grid Integration Framework

Abstract: This paper puts forth a mathematical framework for Buildings-to-Grid (BtG) integration in smart cities. The framework explicitly couples power grid and building's control actions and operational decisions, and can be utilized by buildings and power grids operators to simultaneously optimize their performance. Simplified dynamics of building clusters and building-integrated power networks with algebraic equations are presented---both operating at different time-scales. A model predictive control (MPC)-based algorithm that formulates the BtG integration and accounts for the time-scale discrepancy is developed. The formulation captures dynamic and algebraic power flow constraints of power networks and is shown to be numerically advantageous. The paper analytically establishes that the BtG integration yields a reduced total system cost in comparison with decoupled designs where grid and building operators determine their controls separately. The developed framework is tested on standard power networks that include thousands of buildings modeled using industrial data. Case studies demonstrate building energy savings and significant frequency regulation, while these findings carry over in network simulations with nonlinear power flows and mismatch in building model parameters. Finally, simulations indicate that the performance does not significantly worsen when there is uncertainty in the forecasted weather and base load conditions.

Use of a static frequency converter for rapid load response in pumped-storage plants

Abstract: Most pumped-storage power plants have the capability to operate as synchronous condensers. As such, they can be brought online very quickly to support power system load requirements. However, one of the effects of making a rapid transition from synchronous condenser operation to turbine/governor operation is an initial reverse power flow into the machine. This reverse power flow can be very undesirable at a time when the power system is calling for load support. On weak or isolated power systems, this reverse power flow can lead to objectionable voltage and frequency dips in the power system. With the proper utilization of a static frequency converter (SFC) and its associated controls and auxiliary switchgear systems, the reverse power flow resulting from a transition from synchronous condenser operation can be eliminated. This paper describe a method by which an SFC system can be used to make this rapid load response in pumped-storage power plants without incurring a reverse power flow and to provide additional instantaneous short term power to support the grid.

Probabilistic analysis of electric vehicles charging load impact on residential Distributions Networks

Abstract: An increase in greenhouse gases (GHGs) is driving significant changes in both the power and transport systems. Electric vehicles (EV) are a promising solution to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. However, EV charging will increase the electric load demand posing various challenges to distribution networks operators, such as load variation, voltage drops and transformer loading. The impact of EV charging is important for the Distribution Network Operators (DNO) in order to maintain the normal operation of the grid and to ensure satisfied power usage. In this study, stochastic parameters such as the charging location and the corresponding EV load demand were analysed and used in a base case scenario without Distributed Generation (DG) on the UK Generic Distribution Network (UKGDN). Additional cases with increased penetration of DG were simulated considering seasonal load profiles using multiple load flow simulations in Matlab. The results present the optimal EV charging profiles in terms of transformer power demand, voltage profile and power line losses within network limits.