Multi-period AC-QP optimal power flow including storage

Abstract

There is an increasing need for integrating renewable generation sources into electricity networks. To take advantage of the economic and environmental benefits offered by renewable sources, storage devices are important to mitigate their inherent variability. However, the physical properties of storage devices require operation to be optimized over a finite horizon. This paper provides a multi-period optimal power flow (OPF) formulation including both wind generation and energy storage that is based on a traditional AC-Quadratic Program (AC-QP) OPF solution method. Test cases are provided to demonstrate the economic benefits of the multi-period OPF solution. The sensitivity of the cost of operation and scheduled storage charging pattern to the length of the multi-period OPF horizon chosen is assessed. Additionally, the computation time for various OPF horizons is also examined. Finally, the effect of forecast errors on the choice of OPF horizon is investigated.