Operating Reserve Research Articles

Optimal decision method of demand side flexible resources as power system operation reserve based on master–slave game

The importance of maintaining adequate operating reserves is widely understood within the nonprofit sector. However, the dual purposes of operating reserves are often not, according to A. Michael Gellman of Sustainability Education 4 Nonprofits.

Background: This study addresses the need to refine the block structure of the Triassic sequence in the Zhetybay South field, with a focus on the hydrocarbon productivity of the T₂V horizon, which is associated with Middle Triassic deposits. By integrating legacy geological and geophysical data with modern 3D seismic survey results, the analysis provides an updated interpretation of the structural framework and highlights the exploration potential of the target interval. Aim: This paper investigates the geological framework and hydrocarbon potential of the Triassic succession in the Zhetybay South field. Drawing on both legacy and recent data—from exploratory and production wells to 3D seismic surveys – the study synthesizes results from four reserve estimation campaigns conducted in 1972, 1983, 2010, and 2023. Particular emphasis is placed on reassessing the productivity of the T₂V horizon. Materials and methods: The primary data sources include well testing and perforation results, along with 3D seismic surveys conducted at the field in recent years. Results: The structure of the Triassic sequence has been refined, including the reflective horizon T₁o_bot, which hosts the T₁V accumulation. The presence of a potential oil and gas condensate accumulation within the T₂V horizon has been identified and confirmed by testing results from productive intervals. Conclusion: The integration of new 3D seismic data has enabled the revision of structural maps, clarification of the T₁V accumulation’s structural setting, and identification of a block-faulted framework. In the Nоrmaul Arch area, additional 3D seismic acquisition is recommended to improve fault mapping. A structural map of the T₂V horizon has also been developed, providing further support for its productivity. Since reservoir contacts are currently assumed, delineation of the accumulation’s potential extent remains necessary. Following these efforts, an operational reserve estimation for the T₂V horizon is recommended.

The object of research is the parameters and characteristics of track coils with different design parameters for a physical model of high-speed maglev transport. The problem that arises in such a system is the untimely switching on of the track coils, which leads to a malfunction due to a short-term disappearance of the traction force. Solving this problem will allow the vehicle to improve the conditions of movement of the high-speed maglev transport. This will make it possible to make a reasonable choice of the parameters of the track coil of a physical model of high-speed transport, which would have the required inductance value at different switching modes. The required switching frequency will depend on the desired speed of movement of the vehicle and the parameters of the track coils. An important task within the framework of research on maglev transport is the development and creation of a fundamentally new control system. Such a system would have a track structure with traction coils of a rational shape and parameters that would implement certain control processes of the experimental unit. The task of the research is to create a physical model of track coils of high-speed transport and to conduct an experimental determination of the dependence of electrical parameters (inductance) on the frequency of a sinusoidal signal for different winding parameters of track coils. To implement the technical solution, a physical model of the track coil was created, which takes into account the necessary requirements for the study. The search for more favorable technological solutions requires conducting research on electrical processes in the track structure circuit of the physical model of the track coil. This will allow to substantiate the prerequisites for the creation, accumulation and transfer of the necessary energy to the track coils in physical models that will simulate the principles of movement and control of magnetic levitation transport. During the research, the results were obtained by applying mathematical statistics methods and the development of a track coil with optimal parameters for a physical model of a high-speed transport experimental unit was carried out. The results obtained with the correct selection of the track coil parameters can create prerequisites for the further development of an experimental switching system for physical model of high-speed transport. In this case, the operating reserve can be determined by the required reserve of effective operation of the track coils to implement the necessary laws of rolling stock control.

The article considers the urgent task of a comprehensive assessment of reliability indicators of electronic communication equipment with combined time redundancy in order to increase the efficiency of their operation and ensure a given level of reliability. The comprehensiveness of the approach is ensured by the joint consideration of a number of factors affecting the reliability of the equipment. These factors include: limited reliability of hardware and software, the presence of impairing and nonimpaired failures, the use of replenishable and nonreplenishable components of the time reserve, the division of tasks into stages with intermediate storage of results, and the level of qualification of the operating personnel. At the first stage of the developed methodology, the features of the functioning of electronic communication equipment with a combined time reserve are analyzed. Two sources of the time reserve are identified: a replenishable reserve (functional inertia) and a non-replenishable reserve (additional operational time or performance reserve). The mechanism for checking time constraints at each stage of functioning is considered, which allows achieving the effect of “dilution” of the failure stream. At the second stage of the methodology, the expediency of decomposing the general model of functioning into two partial models - for the replenishable and non-replenishable components of the time reserve - is substantiated. This approach simplifies the construction of the mathematical apparatus and provides a synthesis of partial results for further analysis. In the subsequent stages, a scientific and methodological apparatus for reliability assessment is formed, taking into account various factors, in particular in cases of complete and limited initial information. For the latter case, an approach to constructing bilateral estimates of reliability indicators using the basic functionality is proposed. Scientifically based recommendations on ways to improve the reliability of electronic communication equipment are formulated. In particular, the effectiveness of combined time reservation is proved, provided that its components are rationally combined. Methods of reducing the impairment of developments are proposed, in particular by dividing tasks into stages and optimizing their number. The obtained results can be used in engineering practice in the design and modernization of electronic communication equipment.

Abstract The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) houses a very large inventory of helium (to-talizing 150 tons, including the strategic operational reserve) which must be properly managed and secured in the event of a major power outage. This paper presents dynamic simulations of the LHC cryogenic system following such an event and analyzes the different possible scenarios with their consequences. The simulations are first compared with experimental data obtained during relatively short power outages to validate the model. Then, the simulations are used to predict the behavior of the LHC cryogenic system and the evolution of helium inventory in the event of a longer power outage for different applied strategies.

Various controllable resources contribute to energy regulation and rapid support in the form of virtual energy storage (VES), which can significantly simplify control parameters and facilitate the evaluation of a microgrid’s economic and secure operational reserves. This paper establishes a power density virtual energy storage (PDVES) model and an energy density virtual energy storage (EDVES) model. Wind turbines, photovoltaics (PVs), controllable loads, and electric vehicles (EVs) are equated to EDVES and PDVES, respectively. Furthermore, an economic calculation model for microgrids that incorporates VES is developed, and an energy regulation framework for microgrids is constructed with virtual current (VCU) and virtual capacitor (VCA) as scheduling parameters. With the frequency security of island microgrids as a constraint, a rapid support coordinated control strategy for PDVES and EDVES is proposed to ensure the economic and secure operation of microgrids across multiple time scales. Finally, a high-proportion renewable energy test system with VES is established. The test results demonstrate that under the proposed VES control, the energy regulation and dynamic stability control performance of microgrids can be significantly improved.

The growing concerns over mitigating climate change effects resulted in power system planning and generation expansion strategies that aim in increasing penetration of intermittent renewable energy sources (RES) to fulfill the national energy and climate plans (NECPs) of countries worldwide. However, the variable and intermittent nature of RES output, compounded by uncertainties arising from climatic and weather changes, poses significant challenges. These challenges necessitate careful consideration in generation planning and in determining the operational reserves of RES-rich power systems to ensure resilience. This paper employs a generation capacity operational planning method based on the Screening Curve Method (SCM), assuming various levels of large RES penetration and diverse spinning generation reserve policies, necessary to cope with various levels of RES generation deficits, to guarantee power system resilience. The proposed approach can be used to assess the overall reduction of capacity and decommissioning of thermal units, while ensuring resilient operation against various levels of annual RES generation deficits. Furthermore, an approximation of the total annual system operation cost is also provided, considering the impact of the employed spinning reserve policies.

The increasing integration of variable renewable energy sources (VRESs) into modern power systems presents significant challenges in ensuring operational flexibility, highlighting the need for robust methodologies to evaluate and ensure system reliability. The Insufficient Ramping Resource Expectation (IRRE) has emerged as a critical metric for quantifying the probability of ramping deficiencies in power systems. However, its traditional application, designed primarily for capacity-constrained systems, may not fully capture the operational dynamics of energy-constrained systems, such as those dominated by hydropower generation. This study analyzes the IRRE methodology and proposes enhancements to incorporate additional constraints, including seasonal and monthly hydrological variability and operational reserve requirements, to better reflect the flexibility limitations in energy-constrained systems. A case study of the Brazilian electricity system evaluates these modifications by comparing traditional and enhanced IRRE results across varying scenarios, including higher VRES penetration. Results reveal that, under stricter constraints, IRRE values increased by over 11 times for monthly hydrological limits in the Northeast subsystem, compared to the traditional IRRE. Additionally, combining these constraints with a 5% operational reserve requirement led to ramping deficits in up to 5% of the hours in a year for the same subsystem, highlighting the critical impact of operational constraints. Furthermore, scenarios with 30% and 100% VRES growth resulted in deficits increasing by 56 times and 418 occurrences, respectively, in certain subsystems. These findings demonstrate the enhanced IRRE’s effectiveness in evaluating flexibility challenges and its relevance for supporting planning and operational strategies in systems undergoing rapid renewable energy expansion.

When maneuvering a nuclear power plant of nuclear icebreakers in the Arctic ice, a functional separation of the power produced by the reactor unit with the power of the electric propulsion system is implemented, which is associated with the formation of an operational reserve of power for maneuvering. Due to the lack of clear regulation of the optimal operational reserve of maneuvering power, the choice of its value is random, which depends on the intuitive opinion of the skipper and the experience of the skipper. Overestimating the operational capacity for maneuvering increases the intensity of nuclear fuel burnout on this particular segment of the nuclear icebreaker's journey. From the point of view of the atomic mechanical service of a nuclear icebreaker, the reactor power requested by the skipper should be minimized, however, this contradicts the requirement of the skippers, who require an increased operational reserve of power for maneuver safety. To smooth out this contradiction, it is proposed to use sliding steam pressure in the main steam pipeline for short-term maneuvers of nuclear icebreakers. It is noted that the sliding steam pressure in the steam pipeline is already used at thermal power plants, thermal power plants and nuclear power plants, while various tasks are being solved, including saving fuel, increasing equipment reliability, etc. Nuclear icebreakers solve a specific task to reduce the burnout of nuclear fuel during maneuvering by minimizing the operational reserve of maneuvering power, which determines the number of removable cores in the reactor, which is the most expensive part for a nuclear icebreaker to replace. The methodological aspects of the application of sliding steam pressure in the main steam pipeline are considered and a method for estimating the effects obtained for a short-term increase in the power of the rowing electric installation is developed. The calculations were performed for the nuclear icebreaker project 10521. It is indicated that the proposed estimation methodology can be used for any other nuclear-powered vessel projects.

Many remote, isolated communities rely on diesel generators to meet their electrical demands because connecting to conventional electrical grids is either too expensive or technically impractical. In such situations, microgrids made up of diesel gensets and renewable energy sources are most appropriate. However, when diesel generators operate with reduced operating reserve margins, these isolated systems do not have sufficient capacity to withstand large electrical transients, which can lead to instability. As a result, a more detailed evaluation of acceptable levels of renewable energy penetration is required. Hence, the focus of this work is to develop a high-fidelity model for small three-phase diesel generators (SDG), incorporating adaptations to the traditional IEEE Exciter and the Woodward Diesel Engine-Governor Model, with the goal of enhancing the accuracy of dynamic frequency and voltage responses. The effectiveness of the proposed SDG model is validated using field test data of a three-phase genset of 40 kVA–220 V that is part of an operational microgrid. The results show that the accuracy of the proposed model is satisfactory, presenting Normalized Mean Squared Error (NMSE) values around 16% and 10% for speed and voltage responses, respectively.

Background. Prospects for increasing the mineral resource base of Ukraine are one of the main strategies for the development of our country today and in the post-war period. At present, increasing the number of total approved reserves of mineral radon waters by opening new deposits is not a priority component, as it is costly. However, a detailed analysis of the possible increase in the number of operational reserves based on already explored deposits is promising. This work refers to one of the components of the plan for achieving a common better future approved by the members of the United Nations in 2015 (17 sustainable development goals). The material presented in the article refers to point 3, namely – Ensuring a healthy lifestyle and promoting well-being for all at any age. Radon mineral waters are balneological underground waters that have healing properties when used internally or externally. An important factor during the exploitation of such groundwater is their compliance with the conditions, i.e. the established maximum permissible concentrations (hereinafter referred to as MPC), which are in force at the present time. At different periods of time, various stages of exploration of mineral radon waters were carried out within the Vinnytsia region, from exploratory work to detailed exploration. Therefore, a detailed analysis of existing deposits, an assessment of the prospects for expanding or increasing operational reserves, and determining the resource potential of institutions specializing in radon groundwater are important tasks. Methods. This study was conducted on the basis of a detailed analysis of stock materials and a comparison of the actual results of the content of radon mineral waters with other deposits within the Vinnytsia region. Results. As a result of the conducted studies, it was found that within the Resort area, which is located in the city of Nemyriv, there is a potential to increase the operational reserves of mineral radon waters. This statement is based on the analysis of data from the preliminary (1985) and detailed (2004) exploration. Conclusions. Studies have shown that an increase in the operational reserves of mineral radon waters is possible due to the inactive (at the moment) operational well No.6-R. During a detailed assessment of operational reserves, this well was excluded from the calculation of reserves due to the excess of nitrate content (>65 mg/dm3) according to the Industry Standard of Ukraine (GSTU) 42.10-02-96 "Medical mineral waters. Technical conditions". However, the increased nitrate content is not the result of contamination of the target aquifer, but is a consequence of water radiolysis. More detailed studies of this problem could lead to the improvement of the current regulatory requirements for mineral waters specifically for external use.

Great burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis L.) is a valuable medicinal, melliferous and ornamental plant. Natural populations of this species are quite rare in some regions of Russia. The article presents an assessment of the current state of S. officinalis coenopopulations in the Khanty- Mansi Autonomous Okrug – Yugra, Russia. The age structure of S. officinalis coenopopulations was studied, and the biological and exploitable reserves of S. officinalis plant material in various plant communities of the Surgut District of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug – Yugra were determined. S. officinalis coenopopulations mainly consist of young (39.8–95.8% of pregenerative) individuals, which can be explained by the confinement of this species to floodplains with their characteristic systematic flooding. The cereal-burnet willow floodplain and the willow-forb swampy floodplain are promising locations for collecting raw materials, as S. officinalis occupies a significant part of the herbaceous layer in these areas (with total projective cover of about 30% and 20%, respectively). The density of moderately and weakly self-sustaining plant populations is 6.5 and 10.4 pcs/m2, respectively. On average, the biological raw material reserve is 41.12 kg and 73.66 kg; the operational reserve is 32.8 and 62.62 kg; the possible volume of raw material procurement is 2.98 and 5.69 kg. The specific raw material phytomass of the underground part of plants is 205.6 and 368.3 g/m2. The predominance of young unstable populations of S. officinalis is observed, which limits the possibility of harvesting medicinal raw materials in the Surgut District.

An Approach for Scheduling and Unlocking Heterogeneous Distributed Energy Resources as Operating Reserve Assets

This article presents the results of research on the study of some biological and ecological features of one of the species of Crataegus – C. turkestanica Pojark. Issues such as the association of this species with plant communities, the density of individuals in cenopopulations, the influence of environmental factors on fruit yield were studied and the operational reserves of fruits in the studied territory were calculated.

The purpose of the research is to give a detailed description of hydrogeological conditions of the Irkutsk artesian basin, which is a large hydrogeological structure of the second order. The method of morphostructural analysis has been used to distinguish the territories with different formation conditions of fresh groundwater deposits as well as to identify the boundaries of large lowlands and uplands in comparison with the geological structure. To make a generalization, the author uses the data on 45 deposits of fresh drinking groundwater explored on the territory of the Irkutsk artesian basin of the second order with the operational reserves of more than 500 m3/day. Deposits of fresh groundwater in Jurassic terrigenous rocks are confined to large relief elevations within tectonic depressions while the deposits in both Cambrian carbonate and Jurassic-Ordovician terrigenous sediments are confined to tectonic uplifts.The deposits are replenished by natural resources. The production horizons of large deposits in Cambrian and Ordovician rocks are fed by attracted resources. In the lowlands the deposits of fresh groundwater are formed only in Quaternary alluvial deposits, due to infiltration from rivers (attracted resources). Neotectonic movements are the ones that had a dominant influence on the formation of natural resources and dynamic reserves as well as on underground flow localization as they ensured the distribution and localization of surface and underground flow. It is also noted that when identifying promising areas for searching for fresh underground water, it is advisable to rely on the distribution patterns of fresh underground water reserves of already explored deposits within the identified morphostructures.

The study of medicinal plants and having a protected status is an urgent issue for the conservation of biodiversity in Kazakhstan. Rhaponticum carthamoides (Willd.) Ilijn is a medicinal plant, and its excessive harvesting and destruction of habitats, as well as its conservation status, are of concern. We conducted a study to assess the ecological characteristics of the habitat of the species in the Tarbagatai National Natural Park, calculate the amount of medicinal raw materials, calculate both aboveground and underground phytomass, and calculate biological and operational reserves. A map has been developed to show the distribution of the species and potential harvest sites. In addition, a correlation analysis was performed to understand how population size affects productivity. The results highlight the need for continuous monitoring and protection of endangered species. The conservation of Rhaponticum carthamoides in the Tarbagatai State National Nature Park is currently ensured by its protected status. However, the study emphasizes the importance of developing a sustainable use regime to effectively manage plant resources and ensure their preservation for future generations.

The article presents a forecast of groundwater pollution on the example of the Kibray site of the Chirchik field. Models were developed to predict the entry of pollution into groundwater and to identify flow and transport processes. With the help of these models, the relationship between the quality of groundwater and surface water was established and it was revealed that the formation of operational reserves of the Chirchik field occurs due to artificial resources and attracted resources (surface water from the Chirchik riverbed).

The paper discusses the possibility of using groundwater as a source of water supply for Mykolaiv during emergencies or military operations. A hydrogeological model of the Mykolaiv groundwater field was developed to investigate the water exchange pattern and sources of operational groundwater reserves in the Upper Sarmatian aquifer, which is a primary source of drinking groundwater in the Mykolaiv area. The influence of various factors on water-bearing capacity of the Upper Sarmatian sediments was assessed, including the vulnerability of the fresh groundwater to the intrusion of brackish water from the Bug Estuary. The study also examined the feasibility of operating the aquifer under forced conditions, depending on the duration of emergency periods or military operations.

The increasing penetration of renewable sources introduces new challenges for power systems’ stability, especially for isolated systems characterized by low inertia and powered through a single diesel power plant, such as it happens in small islands. For this reason, research projects, such as the BLORIN project, have focused on the provision of energy services involving electric vehicles owners residential users to mitigate possible issues on the power system due to unpredictable generation from renewable sources. The residential users were part of a blockchain-based platform, which also the Distributors/Aggregators were accessing. This paper describes the integrated framework that was set up to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of some of the methodologies developed in the BLORIN project for fast frequency response in isolated systems characterized by low rotational inertia. The validation of the proposed methodologies for fast frequency response using Vehicle-to-Grid or Demand Response programs was indeed carried out by emulating the dynamic behavior of different power resources in a Power Hardware-in-the-Loop environment using the equipment installed at the LabZERO laboratory of Politecnico di Bari, Italy. The laboratory, hosting a physical microgrid as well as Power Hardware-in-the-Loop facilities, was integrated within the BLORIN blockchain platform. The tests were conducted by assuming renewable generation development scenarios (mainly photovoltaic) and simulating the system under the worst-case scenarios caused by reduced rotational inertia. The experiments allowed to fully simulate users’ interaction with the energy system and blockchain network reproducing realistic conditions of tracking and remuneration of users’ services. The results obtained show the effectiveness of the BLORIN platform for the provision, tracking and remuneration of grid services by electric vehicles and end users, and the benefits that are achieved in terms of reducing the number of diesel generating units that need to be powered on just to provide operational reserve due to the penetration of renewable sources, resulting in fuel savings and reduced emissions.