On the participation of demand-side resources on the operation of small power systems

Abstract

Economic and environmental purposes are guiding the transition to greener power systems. The process of going green will be time-consuming and challenging, and at all intermediate stages, the resources then available must be managed as efficiently as possible. For example, energy systems require more and more flexibility to integrate the widespread generating units based on renewable sources. But, some technical aspects, network adequacy and ability to deal with the power injections or the impacts on voltage profiles should also be adequately addressed. All challenges mentioned above are even more intense for small isolated energy systems such as small isolated islands. Production variations, loss of generators, or any other event are more impactful in these scenarios, requiring adequate analysis. This work aims to evaluate the behaviour of the electrical system of a small isolated island in the face of a substantial increase in generation based on variable renewable sources (solar and wind). Namely, the assessment covers the role of demand-response and storage actions in the operation of the island’s electrical system and the impacts on voltage profiles and network overload. The main results show that despite the voltage maintaining an adequate profile, it may be necessary to increase distribution infrastructure capacity. Both demand response and storage may positively contribute to the operation of the electrical system. The renewable energy curtailment decreases, the thermal power plant can be operated in a more efficient way, and it is possible to smooth out fluctuations resulting from increased contributions from wind and solar energy.