Feasibility Study of Energy Storage Systems for a Wind Farm: A Case of Ereymentau Region in Kazakhstan

Increased number of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) in the electric distribution systems brings major challenges related to energy scheduling, management and control. To address these challenges, Energy Storage Systems (ESS) like batteries or pumped hydro storages can be used to manage energy more effectively. The work aims to conduct feasibility study of ESS for wind farm located in Ereymentau region, Kazakhstan to identify most economically feasible system. The aim is to reduce intermittency of generation and effectively respond to peak hour periods. Optimal sizing and economic models of ESS was developed. For the battery systems inverter parameters and battery bank sizing were estimated. In case of pumped hydro storage, the water reservoir and turbine sizing were modeled. The economic model was based on estimating Life-cycle costs (LCC) for battery systems, pumped hydro systems, and combined model. Sensitivity analysis for the ESS models on energy consumption, peak load, peak hours, and discount rate were conducted.