Simulation framework for energy flows across multi-source power systems

Hybrid renewable energy systems are becoming the norm as regard to electricity grids in Europe and Greece. However, the combination of renewable sources, conventional units and power storage components creates highly complicated systems, and, consequently, renders the need for advanced simulation – optimization tools to support both their planning and management. Building upon existing methodologies often used in water management problems, namely the network linear programming context (also referred to as transhipment problem), we attempt to solve the optimal energy flow problem, respecting the operational rules for all common components of hybrid renewable systems (solar P/V panels, wind turbines, small hydropower stations, thermal plants, pumped-storage units). In this vein, we establish a generic framework for calculating the energy production from each source and its allocation/storage across the grid. Emphasis is given to thermal unit’s modelling which requires the introduction of an iterative procedure within simulation. The above are implemented within an integrated tool, called Enerflow, providing all the above features via a user – friendly graphic user interface. To test the newly developed tool, we apply it to the case of Sifnos, a Greek island not connected to mainland’s electricity grid which aims to achieve energy independency until 2030. The outcomes of several simulations are compared and the impacts of changing basic design variables are examined.