Hydrothermal coordination in power systems with large-scale integration of renewable energy sources

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the feasibility of an ideal power network that combines many different renewable energy technologies such as wind power, concentrated solar power (CSP) and hydroelectric power. This paper emphasizes in finding the benefits arising from hydrothermal coordination compared to the non-regulated integration of the hydroelectric units, as well as the benefits from the integration of wind power and CSP. Design/methodology/approach – Artificial Neural Networks were used to estimate wind power output. As for the CSP system, a three-tier architecture which includes a solar field, a transmission-storage system and a production unit was used. Each one of those separate sections is analyzed and the process is modeled. As for the hydroelectric plant, the knowledge of the water’s flow rated has helped estimating the power output, taking into account the technical restrictions and losses during transmission. Also, the economic dispatch problem was solved by using artificial intelligence methods. Findings – Hydrothermal coordination leads to greater thermal participation reduction and cost reduction than a non-regulated integration of the hydrothermal unit. The latter is independent from the degree of integration of the other renewable sources (wind power, CSP). Originality/value – Hydrothermal coordination in a power system which includes thermal units and CSP for cost and emissions reduction.