Generation adequacy assessment incorporating wind energy capacity

The assessment of generation adequacy in power networks which include high levels of intermittent generation capacity presents particular problems to power system planners and operators. In particular, networks with high levels of wind energy penetration require careful consideration. This paper deals with the generation adequacy assessment of the electrical network in the Republic of Ireland. In recent years, a significant level of wind generation has been added to, or is being planned for connection to the transmission and distribution networks in Ireland. The current installed wind capacity of 166 MW is forecast to increase to 775 MW within the next few years. This paper looks at the application of both the loss of load expectation (LOLE) and Monte Carlo techniques to the generation adequacy assessment in the Irish system. The LOLE is calculated for a range of levels of wind generation capacity. The efficacy of the method of representing the wind generation as a negative load (load-modifier method) is considered. The greater flexibility in analysis of adequacy using a Monte Carlo approach is also demonstrated.