The role of WES and BESS in the provision of operating electricity reserves-a review

Abstract

Active power reserves are required for an electrical system to work effectively. These reserves are modified regularly to meet system generation and demand to maintain a constant electrical frequency. Regulation reserves, spinning reserves, and non-spinning reserves are the three main forms of operating reserves. Reserves can be used in both normal and extraordinary conditions to maintain supply and demand balance. There have been various attempts to do research into how renewable generation might contribute to the provision of reserves now that large-scale wind energy has been integrated into the grid, but these efforts have been hampered by the stochastic and intermittent character of renewable generation. When proper control techniques are put in place, wind turbines can participate in the provision of operating reserves. This paper discusses the role of wind energy systems and battery energy storage systems in the provision of operating reserves. This research also looks at South Africa’s operating reserve margin and storage capacity.