Feasibility Analysis of Energy Storage Technologies in Power Systems for Arid Region

Abstract

The benefits of energy storage technologies (ESTs) as a step of managing the future energy demand, by considering the case of electric power systems (EPS) in arid regions, were the focus of this study. The evaluation of different forms of ESTs' integration into the existing EPS, especially those with higher potential for solving issues related to the optimization of the power supply and high demands at peak loads, was carried out. Two interactive programs—ESCT and ES-Select—were utilized in the feasibility study that allowed evaluating various ESTs with regard to their characteristics, costs, benefits, which was carried out for the first time in this region. The study analyzed a variety of power ranges within the power system components including bulk generation, transmission, distribution, commercial and industrial, and residential users. These programs were used to address the price and cost components assuming a normal distribution, as well as the cycle life, size, efficiency, cash flow, payback, benefits range, and market potential of 19 important ESTs about the arid region. The obtained data were all combined to verify the appropriateness of these ESTs, which has been followed by determining the optimal use and best probable physical placement of these ESTs within the EPS, by allowing for the economic, environmental, and technical feasibility. The study showed that the compressed air energy storage (CAES) is the most promising option followed by pumped hydro storage (PHS) and sodium-sulfur battery (NaS), based on the technical and economic evaluations of the different ESTs in arid regions.