Large-scale applications of wind power
EU-funded WILMAR project concentrated on devising, analysing and evaluating methods through which wind power can be integrated into existing power grids especially in Northern Europe. Wind power can be characterised by substantial output imbalances and project partners have to couple that reality with regional demand fluctuations and cost considerations. With emphasis being placed on a liberalised electricity market, competitiveness and cost efficiency is of high importance in the case of large-scale wind power applications. Modelling and simulation efforts have been the main tools through which project partners aimed to achieve the project objectives. They developed what was termed the Wilmar Planning Tool, a software package used to analyse the integration of wind power in power systems. The Wilmar Planning Tool, which is now publicly available, is controlled by a user-shell, with a number of scenario variables and control parameters. The user shell is also the focal point for the activation of all models and the import/export of all data and results across the databases. Data on heat production and power transmission systems are combined with heat and power demand parameters. These data sets run alongside data on fuels, hydropower and geography. The Planning Tool produces a scenario tree database with all scenario trees based on the variety and combination of the different inputs. Further collaboration with organisations active in this type of research can enhance the applicability of the Wilmar Planning Tool and facilitate wind power integration into power systems.
