Benefits of hybrid wind - Pumped storage unit in A non-interconnected power system using optimal power flow

This work describes the benefits arising from the introduction of a hybrid wind - pumped storage unit into a non interconnected power system such as Rhodes' Island power system. Optimal power flow (OPF) is one of the main tools for optimal operation and planning of modern power systems. The OPF was applied to the Rhodes' power system which consists of thermal power plants and Renewable Energy Sources (RES, mainly wind turbines). In order to increase the RES penetration, pumped storage is applied. The pumped storage unit is considered to be connected to grid bus where a wind park exists. Actual data regarding the wind speed, load, thermal stations, lines, transformers and RES were imported in Matlab environment for the simulation of the power system. Various scenarios about the operation of the hybrid unit were examined. The scope was to achieve "peak shaving" during the high load demand period. Finally, the benefits of the investment were examined and evaluated. (9 pages)