Investigation of technical configuration and operation of a hybrid electric power production plant in Crete
Summary:
The aim of the research project was the numerical modeling and analysis of the design and operation parameters of a hybrid power production plant from wind farms and hydroturbines with pumped storage, in a particular site at Amari, Crete, in order to exploit the Rivers Dam, owned by the Organization for Development of West Crete. The project also studied the potential energy and economic performance of the system, as well as its optimum sizing.
Objective and main achievements:
The objective of this project was the performance of energy simulations of the annual operation of the electricity system of Crete, including the existing and licensed RES units, and with or without the integration of the new hybrid power station. Moreover, the project provides detailed results from a sensitivity analysis performed to select the optimal configuration and operation strategy of the station.
The simulations were carried out by special software based on the energy balance of the whole island system, using simplified energy models and ignoring the dynamic effects. All simulations are made for one reference year and for hourly time intervals.
The obtained results confirm both the energy and economic feasibility of the project, as well as its smooth integration without any adverse effects in the power production system of Crete. The new hybrid power station would be able to cover almost 5% of the annual energy needs of the island.
Indicative diagram of 15 days of Hybrid powerplant internal operation.
Indicative 15 days operation of the production system of Crete without Hybrid the power station
Indicative 15 days operation of the production system of Crete with the Hybrid power station (lower).