On the Mitigation of Renewable Energy Curtailment by Using Pumped Hydro Storage Systems

To increase the penetration of renewable energy sources into electrical systems, it is essential to lessen renewable energy curtailment. Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) systems are a promising alternative to achieve lower curtailment rates. This work analyses the effect of a PHS system in an electrical network regarding renewable energy curtailment behaviour. The analysis is addressed through an optimal power flow formulation to minimize power loss while satisfying operating and renewable energy curtailment constraints. Preliminary results for a modified IEEE 14-bus test feeder suggested that implementing the PHS decreased transmission losses by 2.2% and mitigated 16.8% of curtailed renewable energy for whole- year simulations.