Contribution of pumped hydro energy storage for more RES utilization on autonomous power systems
¹Technological Educational Institute of Crete, Faculty of Applied Science, Department of Electrical Engineering, Estavromenos Campus, GR71004 Heraklio, Greece
²Estonian University of Life Sciences, Institute of Technology, Department of Energy Engineering, 56 Kreutzwaldi Str., EE51014 Tartu, Estonia
*Correspondence: karapidakis@staff.teicrete.gr
Abstract:
This paper addresses the performance issues of autonomous power systems under high renewable energy sources (RES) penetration. Renewable energy sources could be the main option for isolated power generation at remote locations in case that energy storage introduced. At the moment, pumped hydro storage (PHS) units and batteries storage systems (BSS) represent the most mature technologies for large scale energy storage. The basic criteria for this kind of energy storage unit installations include, (a) the existence of an autonomous power system with local power stations, (b) the high electricity production cost, (c) the potential of renewable energy sources (mainly wind and solar), and (d) the non-flat terrain morphology (for PHS). Greek islands represent ideal cases for large scale energy storage installations, as they fulfil all the above criteria. This paper shows the effect of the installation of a planned PHS unit in Crete island. The calculations are based on real data provided by the Cretan power system operator, whereas the results show the effect of energy storage units operation on the energy mix, as well as the economic viability of the project, which is combined with significant environmental benefits.
Key words:
energy storage, Isolated power systems, pump hydro systems, renewable energy sources