Optimizing pumped-storage power station operation for boosting power grid absorbability to renewable energy

Optimizing peak-shaving and valley-filling (PS-VF) operation of a pumped-storage power (PSP) station has farreaching influences on the synergies of hydropower output, power benefit, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission reduction. However, it is a great challenge, especially considering hydro-wind-photovoltaic-biomass power inputs. This study proposed a novel optimization operation framework for a PSP station driven by the PS-VF operation for boosting power grid absorbability to renewable energy inputs. An optimization operation model based on a grasshopper optimization algorithm was developed to minimize the residual load volatility. A PSP station in the Hunan Province of China constituted the case study, and the practical operation scheme formed the benchmark. The findings underscore the effectiveness of the proposed approach in fostering remarkable synergy, evident in substantial improvement rates of 61% for power output, 58% for power benefit, and 62% for CO2 emission reduction compared to the practical operational scheme. This study not only furnishes valuable scientific and technical backing for the PS-VF operation of the PSP station, enhancing the interplay between hydropower generation, financial benefits, and CO2 reduction, but also provides policymakers with well-informed strategies that consider potential load volatilities and advantages. These strategies are geared towards enhancing the power grid's capacity to assimilate hydro-wind-photovoltaic-biomass power inputs, aligning with the goals of sustainable renewable energy development.