Delicate balance between load regulation and renewable energy grid integration

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Delicate balance between load regulation and renewable energy grid integration

Delicate balance between load regulation and renewable energy grid integration

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Jan 17,24

An electrical grid’s load regulation refers to its voltage stability as demand shifts. Loads can rise as more people charge their electric cars or use other power-intensive products. However, renewable energy grid integration efforts can also impact load regulation, although professionals can cope with it in numerous ways.

Weather can affect renewable energy output

A lack of ideal weather conditions could affect the amount of energy produced in a given area. Those fluctuations could impact load regulation and give people another factor to consider when moving forward with renewable energy grid integration plans.

Climate change expected to curb solar output in Western Australia

A 2023 study from researchers in Australia involved model creation to explore how the country’s warming climate could affect solar energy output. Participants used simulated regional models to identify changes in Australia’s solar distribution and variability in a high-emissions future.

The region-specific results show solar reliability and availability could increase in Eastern Australia by 2099. Additionally, that part of the country should have fewer overcast days, reducing the solar power intermittency that can interfere with grid loads.

Conversely, Western Australia would have fewer consecutive periods where solar is a feasible energy source, plus more cloudy days. The researchers concluded that the region must become more reliant on energy storage products to keep the grid stable.

However, the team recognized the need for additional research, including studies about different renewable energy sources and the impact of extreme weather events, such as bushfires. The more that’s learned about probable climate change impacts, the more confidently decision-makers can optimize load regulation while pursuing renewable energy grid integration upgrades.

Icy conditions partially blamed for power outages

Elsewhere, research indicated ice on wind turbines could cause an 80 per cent decrease in power production by reducing the blades’ aerodynamics. Some turbines have frozen and ceased to work during ice storms, resulting in power reliability challenges. However, this storm-linked variability could also affect load regulation.

Analysts said frigid conditions in Texas during 2021 partially contributed to blackouts in areas hit by winter storms. However, they cited inadequate grid preparedness for seasonal weather as a more significant factor.

Things can get complicated because people typically use more electricity in extreme weather, such as to run portable heaters, air conditioners, electric blankets and fans. It’s too short-sighted to attribute increased loads solely to changes driven by rising renewable energy adoption rates. That factor plays a role, as do other fluctuations common during less tolerable weather.

Grid management must address renewable energy grid integration

A pressing energy grid challenge is much of the infrastructure requires extensive updates to meet future needs. Those involved can pursue numerous possibilities depending on budgets, time frames and other factors. For example, reconditioned transformers have shorter lead times than new ones, which could help people deal with emergencies faster.

Leaders have also invested in connected technologies to enhance grid management outcomes. Smart sensors can continuously gather data and monitor loads, alerting users to abnormal conditions.

Parties with authority may consider approving smart sensors to monitor grid voltage fluctuations across a set time frame, such as a year. They can then use that data to inform renewable energy integrations with an existing or newly updated grid.

Basing decisions on real-time information will be increasingly important, particularly as some studies reach conflicting conclusions about how renewables will impact the grid’s stability.

Renewable energy strengthens grid resilience

A 2021 Dartmouth Engineering study found renewable energy would make the United States power grid more resilient. Researchers concluded that after examining more than 175,000 of the country’s power resources, from transmission lines to substations. Their models suggested energy professionals can simultaneously pursue grid updates while prioritizing increased sustainability through renewables.

High solar adoption rates could strain the grid

A 2022 University of Nottingham study reached a different conclusion when participants used smart meter data to track grid loads and resilience. Their findings indicated a high solar uptake could increase grid failures since resilience varies throughout a typical day.

Some battery backups support grid reliability

A 2021 Stanford University study analysed multiple grid stability scenarios where renewable energy accounted for all United States power needs.

One takeaway suggested linking large, interconnected geographic regions resulted in smoother renewable energy grid integration by elevating overall power availability. Another interesting conclusion was that long-duration batteries did not improve grid stability. However, people could get better results with backup power by linking several batteries with storage durations of four or fewer hours. These results can help power professionals get the best outcomes while regulating loads and increasing renewable energy usage.

How will you handle renewable energy grid integration needs?

Research highlights how renewable energy adoption is an emerging matter that professionals must handle carefully to keep the grid functioning well. More states and countries are increasing their dependence on clean power. As a result, people will learn important lessons about load regulation and other necessities to prevent blackouts and increase the public’s confidence in gradual fossil fuel reduction.

About the author:

Emily Newton is a tech and industrial journalist and the Editor-in-Chief of Revolutionized Magazine. Subscribe to the Revolutionized newsletter for more content from Emily.