Electricity Generation Expansion Research Articles

Impacts of biomass power generation and CO 2 taxation on electricity generation expansion planning and environmental emissions

Thailand has a high potential to utilize renewable energy for electricity generation especially from agricultural waste; however, at present only a small fraction of biomass is used for energy purposes. This study aims to estimate the potential of biomass power generation and its impact on power generation expansion planning as well as mitigating carbon dioxide emission from the power sector. The harvest area and crop yield per area are taken into consideration to estimate the future biomass availability. The supplies of biomass are then applied as a constraint in the least cost electricity generation expansion-planning model. The cost of CO 2 emissions is also added to the fuel costs as carbon taxation to make biomass power generation competitive to fossil fuels, then the optimum value of CO 2 charge is found out. In addition, levels of CO 2 limitation from power generation are also introduced to mitigate CO 2 emissions.

Application of cool storage air-conditioning in the commercial sector: an integrated resource planning approach for power capacity expansion planning and emission reduction

An assessment is presented of the evaluation of the application of cool storage air-conditioning (CSA) in the commercial sector as a resource in the electricity generation expansion planning. The resultant impacts of analysis of emission costs on annual emissions from power generation are also discussed. A building energy simulation tool is used for assessment of potential savings and peak load shifting of CSA application in commercial buildings. In this study, an integrated resource planning (IRP) model is used to evaluate the economic effectiveness of the CSA option. The IRP analysis with emission costs results in deferring the installation of four units of 1000-MW coal-fired power plant from 2010 to 2011, and one unit of 1000-MW coal-fired power plant and one 200-MW CSA option are removed from the IRP plan. Results show that the CSA option is a viable resource in the least-cost planning and reducing environmental emissions.

Investment planning for electricity generation expansion in a hydro dominated environment

This paper presents the investment planning model, which has been developed to rigorously valorize the large hydroelectric potential resources of Cameroon. Based on Benders technique, the decomposition approach proposed allows each component of the problem (investment and operation) to be conveniently modelled and solved by adapted methods. Furthermore, the relative small size of the actual system, the long experience of the manual generation management in use over a long time by the national electricity company (Sonel), and the fundamental data of the problem are exploited as the basis of the approach, to define a more detailed and adapted model. Formulated as a multistage mixed linear programming problem, the decomposition procedure of the Benders technique is applied to isolate from the problem so modelled its two main subproblems (investment and operation). The investment subproblem is modelled as a multistage mixed linear programming problem and solved by a branch and bound technique. The operation subproblem is represented as a multistage stochastic linear problem and solved by a revised simplex-based method. Subsequently, a solution algorithm for the whole problem, defined by a finite iterative process where the subproblems are alternatively solved, is derived from the co-ordination procedure of Benders technique. Case studies with the southern interconnected network of the Sonel system are presented and analysed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

99/00465 Multiattribute utility analysis with imprecise information: an enhanced decision support technique for the evaluation of electric generation expansion strategies

99/00465 Multiattribute utility analysis with imprecise information: an enhanced decision support technique for the evaluation of electric generation expansion strategies

Multiattribute utility analysis with imprecise information: an enhanced decision support technique for the evaluation of electric generation expansion strategies

Multiattribute decision making (MADM) methods have been widely used in electric utility decision problems. This paper presents an enhanced MADM method to support the evaluation of electric generation expansion strategies. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) is incorporated into the construction procedure of linear additive utility models to facilitate the process of eliciting single utility functions and weighting parameters. The composite utility variances are estimated accounting for individual errors from inaccurate attribute measurements and inconsistent subjective judgments. To support the decision analysis with imprecise information, an appropriate confidence interval is defined to determine the likely range of estimated utility values. Such practice could help the decision maker gain insight into how the imprecise data may affect their choice toward the best solution and how a set of acceptable alternatives may be identified.

Environmental and utility planning implications of electricity loss reduction in a developing country: a comparative study of technical options

This paper discusses the environmental and utility planning implications of load (i.e. ‘variable’) and non-load (i.e. ‘core’) loss reduction options in the case of a mixed hydro-thermal power system from a long-term electricity generation expansion planning perspective. A key finding of the study is that a reduction of electricity losses in transmission and distribution need not always reduce emissions of air pollutants; and that neither loss reduction option is consistently superior over time from the environmental perspective. For a given level of loss reduction, long-run average cost of electricity generation with the variable loss reduction option generation was found to be less than that with the core loss reduction option. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

97/02905 Investment planning for electricity generation expansion

97/02905 Investment planning for electricity generation expansion

INVESTMENT PLANNING FOR ELECTRICITY GENERATION EXPANSION

Some of the essential features of electricity generation expansion planning are discussed here. The emphasis in this paper is on the development of a methodology to analyse electricity planning problems when the variables are deterministic and stochastic in nature. Our analysis with a test problem indicates that if the stochastic nature of supply and demand can be specified, a more cost effective electricity generation expansion plan can be prepared. The proposed methodology is expected to be useful for energy planners in modelling and implementing investment plans for energy supply. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Private investment in power and deviations from the least cost expansion plan

Established least cost electricity generation expansion planning philosophy is now coming under serious pressure because of the worldwide restructuring of the electricity supply industry. This restructuring usually includes private investment in power projects. Despite the importance of the long-term optimal strategy, the 'next' least cost project may, sometimes, be unattractive to private investors for a various reasons, but power system planners may be constrained, by policy or financial pressures, to accept compromises. The paper examines this problem, develops techniques for assessing the impact of such deviations, examines affects on prices, and suggests trade-off methods for resolving economic and tariff related conflicts of interest.

Planning for future uncertainties in electric power generation: an analysis of transitional strategies for reduction of carbon and sulfur emissions

The authors discuss strategies for the US electric utility industry for reduction of both acid rain producing and global warming gases. The EPRI electric generation expansion analysis system (EGEAS) utility optimization/simulation modeling structure and the EPRI developed regional utilities were used. The focus is on the northeast and east central regions of the US. Strategies identified are fuel switching (predominantly between coal and natural gas), mandated emission limits, and a carbon tax. The overall conclusions are that conservation will always benefit carbon emissions but may not reduce acid rain emissions by the offsetting forces of improved performance of new plant as opposed to reduced overall consumption of final product. Results of the study are highly utility and regional demand specific. >

A Two-Phase Decomposition Approach for Electric Utility Capacity Expansion Planning Including Nondispatchable Technologies

This paper presents a model and a two-phase algorithm for incorporating nondispatchable technologies or energy sources as decision variables in long-range electric utility capacity expansion plans. The first phase uses a deterministic model to quickly obtain a near-optimal expansion plan. This model employs a step approximation to the time-dependent availabilities of the nondispatchable technologies, and a derating technique to represent forced outages of conventional units. Specialized algorithms that exploit the structure of this deterministic problem are developed. The second phase refines the resulting solution toward the probabilistic optimum. It employs accurate probabilistic production costing techniques to account for forced outages of conventional generators, and uses hour-by-hour simulation to represent the contributions of nondispatchable technologies. This second phase requires few additional iterations in our computational experience. The proposed approach suggests a modification for the existing state-of-the-art methodology electric generation expansion analysis system (EGEAS), particularly for situations in which the cumulant approximation used in EGEAS may be inadequate, and it suggests an improved technique for accelerating Bloom's Generalized Benders' Decomposition algorithm for the conventional equipment capacity expansion planning problem.

Coal to natural gas seasonal fuel switching: an option for acid rain control

An investigation is conducted of seasonal fuel-switching as a means to control SO/sub 2/ emissions. There is evidence that strategic control of emissions results in environmental improvements at a lower overall cost. The Electric Generation Expansion Analysis System (EGEAS) was used as the primary analytical tool for the study. The economics of gas substitution versus flue gas desulfurization technology was studied under a variety of economic conditions, taking into account initial capital investment, variable operating and maintenance costs, retrofit costs, pipelining costs, and a number of other factors. Natural gas substitution was found to be an economical means of efficient energy production combining low cost and significant emission reduction under a variety of conditions.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>

Coal to Natural Gas Seasonal Fuel Switching: An Option for Acid Rain Control

An investigation is conducted of seasonal fuel-switching as a means to control SO/sub 2/ emissions. There is evidence that strategic control of emissions results in environmental improvements at a lower overall cost. The Electric Generation Expansion Analysis System (EGEAS) was used as the primary analytical tool for the study. The economics of gas substitution versus flue gas desulfurization technology was studied under a variety of economic conditions, taking into account initial capital investment, variable operating and maintenance costs, retrofit costs, pipelining costs, and a number of other factors. Natural gas substitution was found to be an economical means of efficient energy production combining low cost and significant emission reduction under a variety of conditions. >

Electric power generation expansion: Planning with multiple objectives

A linear multi-objective model for power generation expansion is studied in this paper. The model is applied to the power system planning of Singapore and solved by a newly developed interactive method. The generation alternatives considered are oil-fired, coal-fired, natural-gas fired and nuclear power plants. The multi-objective model does not recommend nuclear plant for Singapore because of the high risks and environmental impact, though the single objective version considers it attractive for economic reasons. Results obtained are analyzed and some preferred expansion plans for Singapore are recommended.

A State-of-the-World Decomposition Approach to Dynamics and Uncertainty in Electric Utility Generation Expansion Planning

Dynamics and uncertainty are central to electric utility generation expansion planning, but are difficult to handle explicitly. A state-of-the-world decomposition approach is introduced that solves the dynamic probabilistic generation expansion problem using simple static deterministic solution techniques. The main problem is decomposed into a set of static deterministic problems. Each problem represents a distinct state-of-the-world (i.e., a time and outcome scenario) and is solved individually using a new dynamic programming procedure. The problems are linked through Lagrange multipliers that are determined iteratively and that can be interpreted as “shadow” fixed costs. Consequently, one difficult problem is replaced with many easy ones. The solution obtained represents the minimum discounted expected cost generation expansion plan. It reflects the importance of future conditions in current decisions and the utility's ability to respond to the resolution of uncertainties over time.

An Efficient Approach to the Optimal Static Geneeration Mix Problem

Considerable insight can be gained in electric utility generation expansion planning by solving the optimal static mix problem; that is, by determining the best set of generation technologies under fixed conditions. A simple approach to solving this problem is introduced here that is unique and has several useful properties. The fundamental idea is to treat the static problem as a dynamic program, whose stages are technologies (not time periods) and whose state is cumulative capacity. This approach is fast; it handles unit sizes and capacity constraints trivially; and it can be extended to handle general capacity and energy-related constraints and other complications.

Analysis of Non-Dispatchable Options in the Generation Expansion Plan

The analysis of Non-Dispatchable Technology (NDT) options in the expansion plan requires accurate, computationally efficient and flexible modeling of generation uncertainties and relevant statistical interdependencies (correlations). The implementation of a suitable methodology and computational results including sesitivity analysis on the capital cost and hardware reliability of the NDT option are presented and analyzed. The methodology has been implemented in the Electric Generation Expansion Analysis System (EGEAS) software package developed for EPRI by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Incorporation and Impact of a Wind Energy Conversion System in Generation Expansion Planning

This paper utilizes WASP, a state-of-the art computer model, to obtain optimal generation expansion plans for an electric utility in order to assess the impact of incorporating a wind energy conversion system into an electric utility generation expansion plan. The IEEE Reliability Test System is used in the evaluations. The optimal plans satisfy given levels of reliability, in terms of loss of load probability and capacity reserve margin, and minimize the present worth of capital and operating costs minus a salvage value at the end of the planning horizon. The analyses were carried out with a 75 MW and a 150 MW wind energy conversion systems as expansion candidates and evaluating their impact on optimal mix of capacity for displacement, fuel savings and capital and operating costs over the 1981-2010 planning period. In this paper the wind turbine generators are modelled as multi- state units whose derated capacity states are caused by wind variability and random mechanical failure. As the results show, the wind energy conversion system has a significant effect on optimal mix of generation and construction timing of conventional units as well as reliability and capital and operating requirements.

An optimization method for electric generation expansion planning by nonlinear programming part 1. KWH model

The kWh model finds the kWh outputs of each plant and reservoir capacities of hydro and pumped storage plants and minimizes the sum of fixed charges for constructing the reservoirs and generating facilities, also the fuel costs of thermal and nuclear plants. It is a linear programming problem whose constants are represented by nonlinear functions of kW running capacity of each plant. The optimal pattern of nuclear and thermal units is found by solving the linear programming problem derived for the pumped storage and hydroplants. Excluding the upper bound constraints, the number of constraint equations are few and do not increase with the number of units, although the number of variables increases. The computing time increases only in proportion to the number of groupings of generating units. Sensitivity analysis can be done easily. The detailed operational behavior of each generating unit can be taken into account.

An optimiztion method for electric generation expansion planning by nonlinear programming. Part 2. KW model

An optimiztion method for electric generation expansion planning by nonlinear programming. Part 2. KW model