Evaluation of effect of providing balancing reserves to power system in Japan through operational control of water pumps

Abstract

In Japan, renewable energy is being rapidly introduced. Hence, surplus power and the required balancing reserves will increase. In this study, to deal with this problem, we focus on a water distribution system (WDS), especially water pumps, which can contribute to supply–demand balancing by shifting their operation. To evaluate the current potential of water pumps in Japan, we modeled them and simulated their operation, in which they can shift their pumping schedule to reduce surplus power and provide balancing reserves to the power system, adhering to constraints such as the demand for water and the storage of water reservoirs. We then developed a numerical model that simultaneously optimizes the operation of generators and water pumps throughout Japan, and simulated their operation in 2040. The results showed that despite increasing their power consumption, pumps shifted their pumping schedule to contribute to the entire power system and reduced fossil generator fuel costs and renewable energy output curtailment.