Renewable-energy integration assessment through a dedicated computer program

This article is intended to present an approach to assess the possibilities of renewable resources through the dynamics of stand-alone and system-integrated renewable-based power plants. Mainly solar and wind energy will be considered leading to the computer program devoted to the simulation of both solar photovoltaic power plants and wind energy converters. Besides, the assessment of the integration of these kinds of intermittent resources into hybrid systems, either pure renewable with hydro-pumped storage units or along with conventional power systems, is the main objective of the program. Finally, the program is aimed at scenario assessment, allowing different energy-mix scenarios to be compared involving both renewable and conventional power plants. Because of the complexity of the problem in a real case, it is useful to stress the rough assessment that will be made in this first version. Examples are provided involving the main topics dealt with. Copyright (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.