Natural gas combined cycle power plant aggregated with battery: a flexible hybrid solution providing enhanced frequency and balancing services

Abstract

The growth of renewable sources and the consequent complexity in the management of the electric grid draw a scenario in which the traditional fossil fuel power plants are asked to improve their performances to continue playing a primary role for the stability of the grid and the safety of the energy supply. The article describes the possible solutions to flexibilize the combined cycle power plants in terms of fast load response and load balancing. In particular, the aggregation of an energy storage system (battery) with a natural gas combined cycle power plant is analyzed in detail. In this context, the fundamental role of the Plant Optimizer, a dedicated Control System developed by Ansaldo Energia performing the function of aggregator, is highlighted. Thanks to the Plant Optimizer, the hybrid power plant can provide enhanced frequency and balancing services and ensure an increasingly aligned response with the needs of the grid operators.