Power Plant Engineering

Generation Scheduling
Generation Scheduling
• Electricity generation is the process of generating electric power from
sources of primary energy. For utilities in the electric power industry,
it is the stage prior to its delivery (transmission, distribution, etc.) to
end users or its storage (using, for example, the pumped-storage
method).
• Generation scheduling is also known as power scheduling or load
scheduling. It's the process of maintaining a balance between supply
and demand in a power system.
• Generation scheduling tools analyze the electric power system
network operations and the economic dispatch of each power plant to
optimize overall energy delivery under given constraints, such as
carbon dioxide emissions or transmission stability limits.
Deterministic Generation
• Deterministic generation refers to the predictable and planned
production of electricity from power generation sources within a
power system. Unlike stochastic generation, which involves variability
and uncertainty due to factors like weather conditions in renewable
energy sources, deterministic generation is based on known
parameters and conditions.
• Overall, deterministic generation plays a vital role in providing
reliable, predictable, and controllable electricity supply within power
systems. It complements renewable energy sources and other forms of
generation to meet the diverse needs of electricity consumers while
maintaining grid stability and reliability.
Characteristics of Deterministic Generation
• Scheduled Generation: In deterministic generation, power plants and other
generation sources produce electricity according to pre-determined schedules or
dispatch orders.
• Conventional Generation: It often involves conventional power plants, which
can be dispatched and controlled to meet specific power demand requirements.
• Dispatchable Resources: Many deterministic generation sources are dispatchable
and they can be ramped up or down quickly in response to changes in demand or
grid conditions.
• Reliability and Predictability: It contributes to the reliability and predictability of
the power system by providing a consistent and dependable source of electricity.
• Planning and Optimization: Grid operators and utilities use deterministic
generation forecasts and scheduling tools to plan and optimize the operation of
power plants and transmission infrastructure.
Probabilistic Generation
• Probabilistic generation refers to the modeling and analysis of electricity
generation from renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, which
exhibit variability and uncertainty due to factors like weather conditions,
seasonality, and other environmental factors. Unlike deterministic
generation, which relies on known parameters and schedules, probabilistic
generation accounts for the inherent randomness and unpredictability of
renewable energy resources.
• Probabilistic generation analysis plays a crucial role in understanding and
managing the challenges associated with integrating renewable energy
into the power grid. By accounting for the inherent variability and
uncertainty of renewable resources, probabilistic generation models
support informed decision-making and effective grid management
strategies to ensure reliable and sustainable electricity supply.
Characteristics of Probabilistic Generation
• Probability Distribution: Renewable energy generation forecasts are
expressed as probability distributions, which describe the likelihood of
different generation outcomes over a specified time horizon.
• Uncertainty Quantification: Probabilistic generation analysis quantifies
the uncertainty inherent in renewable energy generation forecasts.
• Risk Assessment: Probabilistic generation facilitates risk assessment and
risk management strategies for power system operation and planning.
• Integration Challenges: Probabilistic generation presents challenges for
integrating renewable energy into the power grid effectively.
• Optimization and Decision-Making: Probabilistic generation forecasts
inform optimization and decision-making processes in power system
operation and planning.
Electricity Tariff
• Electricity tariff formulation is a complex process that requires
balancing various objectives, including cost recovery, efficiency,
equity, and policy goals. Electricity tariff formulation involves the
process of determining the rates charged to consumers for the use of
electricity based on various factors such as generation costs,
transmission and distribution costs, regulatory requirements, and
policy objectives.
• Tariffs are designed to recover the costs of providing electricity
service, promote efficiency, allocate costs equitably among consumers,
and achieve specific policy goals.
 Cost Components of Tariff
• Generation Costs: The costs associated with producing electricity from
various sources, including fuel, operations, maintenance, and capital
investment in power plants.
• Transmission & Distribution Costs: The costs of transmitting
electricity from power plants to load centers and distributing it to
consumers, including infrastructure maintenance, operation, and
investment.
• Regulatory & Policy Costs: Costs related to regulatory compliance,
environmental regulations, renewable energy mandates, energy
efficiency programs, and other policy initiatives.
Tariff Types
• Flat Rate Tariffs: Consumers are charged a fixed rate per unit of
electricity consumed, regardless of the time of day or season. Flat rate
tariffs are simple to administer but may not reflect the true cost of
electricity production and distribution.
• Time-of-Use (TOU) Tariffs: Tariffs vary based on the time of day,
with higher rates during peak demand periods and lower rates during
off-peak periods. TOU tariffs encourage consumers to shift electricity
usage to off-peak hours, reducing stress on the grid and promoting
efficiency.
Tariff Types
• Block Rate Tariffs: Tariffs are structured into different usage tiers or
blocks, with progressively higher rates as consumption increases.
Tiered tariffs aim to provide price signals to encourage conservation
and discourage excessive consumption.
• Demand Charges: In addition to energy charges, consumers may be
subject to demand charges based on their peak electricity usage during
specified intervals. Demand charges reflect the cost of supplying
electricity at times of peak demand and encourage consumers to
manage their peak demand.
Tariff Types
• Feed-in Tariffs (FIT): FITs are designed to incentivize renewable
energy generation by offering guaranteed rates for electricity fed back
into the grid from renewable energy sources such as solar panels or
wind turbines.
• Net Metering: Under net metering arrangements, consumers with
distributed generation systems, such as rooftop solar panels, can offset
their electricity consumption with generation and receive credits or
payments for excess electricity exported to the grid.
• Effective tariff design can promote sustainable and affordable
electricity supply while incentivizing efficient energy use and
investment in renewable energy technologies.