Question

Describe two current strategies for solving the problem of intermittency for non-dispatchable renewables.

Answer 1

1. Power of large numbers: Renewable energy actually becomes more predictable as the number of renewable generators connected to the grid increases, thanks to the effect of geographic diversity and the Law of Large Numbers. Applied to renewable energy, the Law of Large Numbers dictates that the combined output of every wind turbine and solar panel connected to the grid is far less volatile than the output of an individual generator. Thus The high-frequency variability of wind-generated power can be significantly reduced by coupling outputs from for example 5 to 10 wind farms distributed uniformly over a ten state region.

2. Energy Storage: Store excess renewable power, which would otherwise be curtailed, for later use at times when generation is not sufficient to meet load. Some energy storage technology types include pumped hydro, electrochemical batteries, flywheels, compressed air, and hydrogen. These energy storage resources can be located near intermittent generation, “behind the meter” at homes and business, or at any other point on the electric grid.