Risk-based available transfer capability assessment including nondispatchable wind generation

SUMMARY With the prevalence of large-scale renewable energy in remote areas, it is necessary to appraise the ability of the network to provide access to this clean energy. Available transfer capability (ATC) is a key measure for the potency of electricity markets to facilitate trading and promote competition by accommodating additional energy transactions. This paper investigates the impact of nondispatchable wind energy on the ATC using a risk-based approach. Because of the uncertainties ingrained in wind turbine generator energy output, as determined by the variability of wind speed, a probabilistic wind model is considered using Weibull density function. Continuation power flow is exploited to evaluate the ATC corresponding to maximum system loading, subject to network and equipment constraints, whereas the cumulative probabilistic risk is computed to capture the risk associated with the ATC. The proposed approach is implemented on the modified Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 30 bus system. Results of the different risk levels related to the ATC can provide useful information to system operators for granting firm or interruptible transactions to market participants subject to economic merits. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.