Maximization of Renewable Power Generation for Optimal Operation of the Egyptian Grid

Abstract

This paper presents optimal operation of the Egyptian grid to achieve maximum penetration level of renewable energies in the Egyptian grid operation and minimum power losses. The Upper-Egypt region includes only three power stations, all are based renewable energies: Benban photovoltaic park (world largest photovoltaic park), High Dam and Aswan Dam hydro power stations. The daily load, radiation and wind speed are considered in this study. The optimization is applied using Teaching and Learning Based Optimization (TLBO). The results show that the proposed TLBO based optimal power flow effectively maximizes the penetration level of the available renewable energy and minimizes the total power losses. The applied optimization in this paper is a step towards minimum generating cost operation of the grid. The Egyptian power system at the 500/220 kV level is simulated and, the conventional and optimal power flow calculations are performed.