Maximum wind energy contribution in autonomous electrical grids based on thermal power stations

Greek islands cover their continuously increasing electricity demand on the basis of small autonomous thermal power stations. This electrification solution is related with increased operational cost and power insufficiency, especially during summer. On the other hand, the stochastic behaviour of the wind and the important fluctuations of daily and seasonal electricity load in almost all Greek islands pose a substantial penetration limit for the exploitation of the high wind potential of the area. In this context, the present study is concentrated on developing an integrated methodology which can estimate the maximum wind energy contribution to the existing autonomous electrical grids, using the appropriate stochastic analysis. For this purpose one takes into account the electrical demand probability density profile of every island under investigation as well as the operational characteristics of the corresponding thermal power stations. Special attention is paid in order to protect the existing internal combustion engines from unsafe operation below their technical minima as well as to preserve the local system active power reserve and the corresponding dynamic stability. In order to increase the reliability of the results obtained, one may use extensive information for several years. Finally, the proposed study is integrated with an appropriate parametrical analysis, investigating the impact of the main parameters variation on the expected maximum wind energy contribution. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.