Safety Based Optimal Storage Capacity Sizing for Power System with Renewable Energy Sources

Using renewable energy sources (RESs) such as solar and wind generation systems poses a challenge in supplying safe and stable power to the power grid due to output power variability. Therefore, the problem of output power variability requires the advanced development of essential technologies and methodologies that will minimize the power variability problems and permit the existing power grid to integrate a high penetration of renewable energy. One strategy to accommodate the power variability of RESs is adding an energy storage system (ESS) to improve the power supply’s reliability and stability. To take advantage of the combined benefits of using RESs and ESSs, this paper proposes an optimal storage capacity sizing problem while considering the safe operation against output power variability. To do this, the linear programming mathematical model explores the relationship between storage capacity and safety conditions. The safety-based optimization problem is formulated using LP Solver in Matlab. The actual experiment data of iHouse (smart apartment) is employed for the spring season to validate storage capacity sizing. Finally, a couple of case studies are designed and analyzed for the optimal capacity sizing of energy storage to guarantee the safe operation of a power system with renewable sources.