Review of the characteristics of flexible thermal generators

Abstract

In modern power systems, the penetration of renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaics and wind power generation, are increasing. Renewable energy is regard as an important role in improving energy shortages. However, renewable energy would cause a high variation of net load. To reduce the high variation of net load, flexibility expansion in the generation-side is one of the solutions. This work discusses the flexibility capabilities of typical thermal power plants, particularly about the combine cycle gas turbine (CCGT) and internal combustion engines (ICE), because both of them can start up in a short time. In addition, this work also discusses about understanding these units’ flexibility as well as other capabilities, such as greenhouse gas emissions, power generation costs, and efficiency.