Improving Power Grid Economy Using Windpower Generation

Abstract

In this research the effects of wind generators (DG) interfaced with an electric power station network are studied. The addition of DG to the power system network is determined to enhance the power production during the peak demand and improve the efficiency of electric power usage. Additionally, the fossil fuel consumption is reduced and results in carbon-dioxide reduction. By adding four distributed generators each of 50 kVA capacities, the power production at the power station is reduced from 29 MW to 28 MW to compensate 12 MVA load density during the peak hours. The amount of coal that would be required to produce 29 MW of power at the power station is calculated to be 69,765 tons/year and the amount of CO₂ released is 204,400 tons/year. On the other hand the amount of coal that is required for producing 28 MW of power is determined to be 68,630 tons/year and the amount of CO₂ released is 201,115 tons/year. The total cost that could be saved because of this reduction in the power production is calculated to be $528,000/year and the overall power usage can be improved from 89% to 91%.