Wind-solar complementarity and effective use of distribution network capacity. (1st August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sun, Wei; Harrison, Gareth P.
• Is Part Of: Applied energy. Volume 247(2019)
• Page Start: 89
• Page End: 101
• Publication Date: 2019-08-01
• Subjects: Hybrid power system -- Distributed generation -- Wind power -- Solar photovoltaic -- Hosting capacity -- Active distribution network; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy conservation -- Periodicals; Energy conversion -- Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.04.042
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-2619

Abstract

Highlights: Network wide impact of deploying hybrid combinations of renewables studied. Multi-period optimisation configures renewable capacity to maximise energy export. Combination of resources leads to more effective use of network capacity. Value of complementarity compounded by network topology, control and demand. Combined benefit of hybrid generation with active network management is identified. Abstract: Exploiting the diversity between different renewable resources is regarded as a significant tool to managing their grid integration. Hybrid combinations of resources provide the potential to smooth output and so overcome limits on the export of power, but their network wide impact is not well understood. This paper examines whether combinations of renewable distributed generation can make more effective use of distribution network capacity. A multi-period, multi-resource optimal power flow approach is used to optimally configure wind and solar photovoltaic capacity to maximise energy production whilst complying with network physical limits. The effectiveness of hybrid distributed generation and the optimization method was examined through comparison with cases using single types of renewable distributed generation. This study demonstrates that by capturing the complementarity between renewables through hybrid design, the network can host more renewable generation capacity and increase total energy export. In addition, smart grid techniques, such as active network management, further boosts the value of resource diversity by allowing connection of more generation capacity of all considered renewables through isolating the infrequent co-occurrence of high outputs during periods of low electricity demand.