Application of kinetic energy storage systems to power systems operation

This thesis analyzes some potential applications of kinetic energy (KE) storage systems in power systems operation. The goal was to take advantage of the KE stored in the existing rotating machines in a power system such as synchronous generators and motors by "borrowing" some of the stored KE when electricity prices are high and "returning" this energy to the rotating masses when the prices are down. As shown in this thesis, this operation can be performed from the control center by optimally scheduling the set points of the generators under automatic generation control (AGC) over a given time horizon. This coordination of KE was also tested with other types of rotating machines, namely synchronous and asynchronous flywheels.; The specific impact of this optimum coordination of KE storage has been tested from the perspective of power systems economics and security by investigating the method's potential to reduce the marginal price of electricity and to alleviate network congestion. In addition, this thesis examines the potential of KE storage systems to produce fast (10-30 second) reserve to be used during primary frequency regulation following the forced outage of a generating unit.