Thesis
Evaluating Energy Storage Integration into the Rottnest Island Microgrid Using MS Excel-Based Energy Flow Analysis
Honours, Murdoch University
2024
Abstract
As renewable energy technologies become more affordable, integrating energy storage systems into microgrids allows capitalising on cheaper energy generation sources. This integration supports higher renewable energy penetration, increasing the overall renewable energy share and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Energy storage systems can help address the variability of renewable energy sources by enabling time shifting and providing spinning reserve. Energy storage can also provide voltage support and frequency stabilisation that is historically provided by diesel generators in a microgrid.
This report reviews current energy storage options and modelling software tools. It aims to identify the most suitable storage technology and modelling tool for conducting a techno-economic analysis of a microgrid. The objective is to evaluate the benefits of integrating energy storage with increasing renewable energy generation, leveraging recent cost reductions in renewable energy products. A secondary aim is to ensure the modelling tool is simple for educational purposes.
After reviewing available software options, it was found that many are overly complex and not conducive to learning. Consequently, Microsoft Excel was selected for its ease of use, high modifiability, and capability. Rottnest Island was chosen as the case study due to its status as a local microgrid in Western Australia, where an ongoing project to upgrade generation infrastructure is in progress.
The analysis results indicate that increasing renewable energy generation with support from a lithium-ion battery system is more cost-effective than the current system, relying heavily on diesel generation. Minimising distillate use through the inclusion of energy storage is key as this is currently the most significant cost. The battery supports the spinning reserve requirements and provides time shifting capacity, significantly reducing distillate use. This was the primary driver in lowering the levelised cost of energy from the existing design, resulting in a 50% decrease to $0.16 per kWh.
Details
- Title
- Evaluating Energy Storage Integration into the Rottnest Island Microgrid Using MS Excel-Based Energy Flow Analysis
- Authors/Creators
- Stephen J Anderson
- Contributors
- Gloria V Odo (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, School of Engineering and EnergyMartina Calais (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, School of Engineering and Energy
- Awarding Institution
- Murdoch University; Honours
- Identifiers
- 991005891652107891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Engineering and Energy
- Resource Type
- Thesis
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