Assessment of the required running capacity in weakly interconnected insular power systems

In this paper a methodology is proposed for assessing the required running capacity in weakly interconnected insular power systems. This information is of crucial importance for system operators, when deciding the operation policy of the interconnected power system. In the proposed methodology, a probabilistic analysis is initially employed to identify probable extreme stress conditions of the local oil-fired units of the insular power system and the interconnector. Then, based on the unit commitment guidelines and the technical limitations of the interconnector, a power flow analysis is proposed to be followed. Hence, useful insights can be obtained for the system operators, regarding the required running capacity and the interconnection operation. To validate the proposed methodology’s efficacy, the case of the interconnection of Crete with the Hellenic Transmission System is considered. The presented case study follows the recently proposed guidelines for unit commitment in the power system of Crete following to the interconnection, while considering the extreme scenarios derived from the probabilistic analysis. The existing oil-fired units that will be required to remain available for dispatching after the operation of the AC interconnector are identified, while the interconnection operation is characterized.