Impact of CCGT Start-Up Flexibility and Cycling Costs Toward Renewables Integration

The large-scale introduction of variable and limitedly predictable renewables requires flexible power system operation, enabled by, i.a., dynamic power plant operation, storage, demand response, and enhanced interconnections. The fast start-up capabilities of combined-cycle gas turbines (CCGTs) are crucial in this regard. However, these nonstandard operating conditions significantly reduce the lifetime of critical turbine components, as reflected in long-term service agreements (LTSAs). This should also be reflected in short-term scheduling models. In light of this challenge, we apply a unit commitment model that allows multiple start-up loading modes while accounting for the corresponding turbine maintenance costs based on LTSAs. Leveraging this model, we investigated the need for fast start-up capabilities of a set of CCGTs as part of a small-scale test system considering various shares of renewables and dynamic reserve requirements. We have found that fast starts are often cost-optimal despite their greater turbine maintenance costs and a cost reduction of around 1% is obtained when considering more costly fast start-up modes when scheduling. Furthermore, cost-optimal reserve sizing is a function of the planning frequency and is reduced by fast starting capabilities. We conclude that taking advantage of fast start-up capabilities benefits the electricity generation system and yields a significant cost reduction.