Optimal Short-Term Scheduling of Wind and Hydro Resources

The project aims at developing methods for short-term scheduling of combined hydro- and windpower systems, that take into account uncertainties in different components of the short-term scheduling. The scheduling problem is normally solved by deterministi c methods, assuming that these uncertainties can be ignored. This assumption is adequate for a wide range of watercourses, given the conditions in the current market. However, it will not be a valid assumption in a future market with large integration of weather dependent new renewable energy sources. The methods will deal with: a) the uncertainty related to meteorological input variables, b) the interaction with domestic wind power generation, and c) the new market that balancing services against Europe will represent. The project will focus on development of competence and on exploring and testing a range of models and methods. The evaluation of alternative approaches will address questions related to the choice of stochastic models, impacts on market price variance, possible effects of limitations in the transmission system on the models and computational aspects. The utility value of applying stochastic methods compared to deterministic methods, will be evaluated by simulation experiments. The metho d survey will be the basis for the implementation of test prototypes, that will be tested in laboratory-like environments. Based on these tests, a prototype for field tests will be developed and tested. Emphasis will be put on flexible design and modular implementation, such that the final prototype can be expanded with new elements and take advantage of the expected future development in computer science.