Maximizing wind energy utilization in smart power systems using a flexible network-constrained unit commitment through dynamic lines and transformers rating

Wind power generations as renewable and sustainable energies are widely integrated into electric power systems due to their technical, environmental, and economic advantages. This integration affects the power system operation and planning studies. Network-constrained unit commitment (NCUC) is one of important operation studies of electric power systems in which the aim is to schedule the generating units for the next 24-h period with the minimum operating cost considering the constraints of generating units and transmission network. One of the essential constraints influencing the results of NCUC is thermal rating of lines and transformers. In most of the previous studies, static ratings have been used for this equipment. The static ratings are conservative values leading to non-optimal use of real capacity of lines and transformers and increasing the system's operational costs. This issue is highlighted when there exist wind energy generations in system. A new NCUC problem is addressed in this paper that considers dynamic line rating (DLR) and dynamic transformer rating (DTR) in the presence of wind power generations. The proposed approach has been implemented on the 24-bus IEEE-RTS system in the GAMS environment in different experiments. The simulation results demonstrate effectiveness of the conducted model in reducing the operational costs and maximizing the usage of wind energy. •Proposing a flexible NCUC considering smart-grid technologies.•Incorporating DLR and DTR in the presence of wind energy.•Using AC model of power flow equations to obtain accurate and practical results.•Power system operation is improved from technical and economic viewpoints.•The use of wind energy as a sustainable and green power resorce is maximized.