Energy storage and supergrid integration

Load following of thermal power plants becomes exceedingly difficult as dependence upon variable power generation increases. Energy storage systems (ESS) can manipulate this unpredictable generation and provide controllable power from an otherwise uncontrollable source. Modeling the interaction between these technologies and the utility grid is fundamental for understanding performance and optimizing functionality. MATLAB is used to simulate these ESS behaviors. Historic data of generation and demand taken from ISO New England and IESO Ontario is used. The model treats the ESS as a series of equations to manipulate data and demonstrate ideal ESS behaviors over given daily, monthly, and seasonal time periods. ESS placed on the generation side of the transmission system is used to stabilize variable power production and maximizing the use of transmission line capacities. ESS on the load side of the utility system is used to match demand. Results show that, using this technology, dependence upon variable generation can be increased while maintaining power balance. Effective selection of ESS size can result in greater dependence upon clean energy, reduce transmission system capacity, and decrease power production costs.