Accomodating wind power variability by real-time adjustment of controllable loads

This paper describes an alternative means of accommodating the variability of wind power production. Current approaches all focus on either real-time adjustment of other generation, curtailing wind power production, storing excess wind generation in pumped hydro or similar storage facilities, or by on/off curtailment of loads. Except for on/off curtailment the load variability is accepted and the generation adjusted in real-time to balance generation and load in the grid and maintain frequency regulation. The approach presented here is to identify loads having appropriate characteristics and adjust those loads in real time using control approaches similar to those used in controlling generation. This involves collecting information from the loads regarding their status and controllable range, calculating setpoints at which the loads should be operated until the next periodic update, and communicating that value to the loads. The overall concept is presented, together with design considerations for control and communications implementation.