Optimal Operation of a Wind Powered Pumped Storage Hydroelectricity Plant

The electrical power generated from wind energy fluctuates even in very short terms and the unpredictability of the wind at any time is higher than the conventional generation sources. This makes hard to integrate huge amount of wind energy to the electricity grid, especially when the grid is weak. As the share of wind power in the electricity production increases, necessary counter-measures for large-scale integration of wind farms to the power systems should be determined and implemented. In this study, a joint optimization model is proposed for damping the fluctuations caused by wind energy sources using pumped-water storage hydroelectric plant (WPSPP). The optimization model is formulated as a linear model with the real life based constraints and an objective function for maximum production and profit. The outputs of the model are the firm power productions for the predetermined periods, which are generally used for day-ahead markets. Model is tested with real life data taken from wind energy power plants, meteorological masts and a preselected location for pumped-water storage hydroelectric plant. This database is provided by TUBITAK Space Technologies Research Institute and General Directorate of Electrical Power Resources Survey and Development Administration (EİE). A simulation software is also developed for testing issues.