Enhanced Electric Power Adaptability Using Hybrid Pumped-Hydro Technology with Wind and Photovoltaic Integration

Abstract

The integration of solar and wind energy into the electrical grid has received global research attention due to their unpredictable characteristics. Because wind energy varies across all timescales of utility activity, renewable energy generation should be supplemented and enhanced, from real-time, minute-to-minute variations to annual alterations influencing long-term strategy. Wind energy generation does not only fluctuate but is also challenging to accurately forecast the timeframes of significance to electricity decision makers; day-ahead and long-term making plans of framework sufficiency such as meeting the network peak load annually. A utility that integrates wind and solar energy into its electricity mix would understand how to adapt to uncertainty and variability in operations while sustaining grid stability. Due to hydropower’s adaptability, a system using hydropower as one of its generating resources could be precisely adapted to absorb the variability of wind and solar energy. The objective of this research study is to create a hybrid system comprising hydro-wind and solar (Hybrid-HWS) integration for power balancing in an isolated electrical network in Klipkop village, Pretoria region, South Africa. The desirability of designing and building goaf storage tank in regard to capability, the fullness of line throughout water pumping, dispensing, storage tank spillage, and pressure difference throughout liquid flow within the storage tanks were preliminary assessed using geotechnical and weather forecasting data from a distinctive area of Klipkop town in Pretoria, South Africa. Different facility hours premised on daylight accessibility are scheduled to balance maximum load at early and late hours. However, in the scenario of electrical power, time shift requiring storage for extended periods of time, such as in terms of hours, Hybrid-HWS has been found to have a crucial role. The results of simulations showed a coordinated process design for Hybrid-HWS Energy Storage (ES) to determine everyday strategic planning in reducing the variability of the system resulting from wind-solar-pumped hydro ES output inadequacies and satisfy daily load demands. It could be recommended that by considering the adaptability characteristics, extremely rapidly, ramping, peaking support and maximum stabilizing aid of the system could be archived with pump-hydro into the energy mix which can provide specific guidelines for energy policymakers.