Evaluating which forms of flexibility most effectively reduce base load cycling at large wind penetrations

Increasing penetration of wind power on power
systems worldwide is resulting in the unconventional operation
of base-load generating units. These units which were originally
designed for operation at full output are more frequently required
to balance the variability of the wind. This results in increased
start-stop cycling and hours at low load which causes severe
deterioration to the plants components. Interconnection, storage
and demand side management increase the flexibility of a power
system and can balance variations in the wind power output, thus
reducing the onus on thermal plants. This study will attempt to
quantify which of these forms of flexibility is most effective at
reducing base-load cycling on a thermal test system with a large
amount of wind.