Energy Storage:Maximising Irelands Wind Energy Potential

Ireland plan\u27s to generate up to 40% of its electricity from wind generation by 2020. This thesis outlines the problems that may be faced by the electricity system and illustrates the benefits that large scale energy storage can bring to the electricity system when trying to integrate large amounts of wind energy. Energy storage is currently a topical subject in Ireland as wind penetration increases and problems such as curtailment loom. This thesis outlines the storage capacities required to sufficiently aid the integration of wind energy in Ireland and outlines the value that large scale energy storage can bring to the Irish electricity system. Models of the system load and wind generation profile are devised and wind penetration scenarios representing 13%, 20%, 40% and 60% wind penetration are developed. These wind penetration scenarios are analysed and the curtailment levels associated with them are calculated. Storage is then introduced to the system models and these are analysed. The improvements in system operation are outlined and the reduction in curtailment and required conventional generation are calculated. Popular generation adequacy assessment techniques are investigated and a generation adequacy assessment is carried out on the system models. Finally the value introduced to the system by adding the energy storage system is quantified by estimating the amount of conventional generation that has been offset by its introduction. The analysis shows that energy storage adds little or no value to the Irish electricity system when penetration levels of wind generation are under 20%. At penetration levels of 40% and 60%, energy storage significantly increases the amount of wind energy that is absorbed by the system and reduces the levels of curtailment and required conventional generation