Objective
To determine the locations on selected 38kV circuits in Ireland which would give the optimum relationship bewteen grid connection costs and the level of generation capacity which could be derived from renewable energy sources.
To examine potential sources of renewable energy adjacent to the relevent 38kV circuits and the economic feasibility of electricity generation from such sources.
INTRODUCTION
The first phase of the project involved taking load and voltage readings at selected 38kV and 110kV Stations - particularly those in coastal locations.
Phase II of the project used a WASP computer programme to determine the wind energy potential of various sites. The economic feabibility of developing the renewable energy resource was also assessed.
APPROACH TO PHASE I
Load and voltage recorders were installed at selected 38kV and 110kV stations.
Load profiles were produced and the minimum load established for each station/circuit.
By inputting this minimum load data to a network planning computer package, the impact on the network (in terms of voltage rise) to the connection of generation at different locations on the circuit was determined.
Once the maximum level of generation under the minimum load condition (in terms of voltage rise) was determined, each location was examined to ensure that this level of generation did not cause flicker or voltage dip problems.
A 'best possible location' on each circuit was determined and harmonic limitations for potential renewable energy development at this location established.
Each circuit was re-examined, using the same station loads, but with certain network reinforcements input to the planning package to determine its impact on the acceptable level of generation.
APPROACH TO PHASE II
Wind
Potential sites were initially selected based on experience of wind speeds in Ireland as well as availability of suitable terrain such as hills and open plains within a feasible distance of the 38kV circuits in question. Likely planning restrictions were considered.
Economic feasibility of wind farm developments were analysed using a standard model incorporating data for income and costs. The economic assessment results are meant to be indicative only.
Hydropower
A detailed survey of potential small hydro sites in Ireland already exists and this gives the location, capacity as well as head and expected annual power output for each of 568 sites. These are in the capacity range 10-500kW and generally at the lower end of this range. The relative economic feasibility of each site is also rated. These sites are referenced when they occur close to a 38kV line under assessment - they are not however considered likely to provide significant new generation capacity.
Biomass-short duration forestry
There is considerable interest currently in the development of short rotation forestry (SRF). Coppiced Willow has been identified as the most attractive species of Irish Conditions where yields of over 10 tonnes dry weight per hectare per annum are available. A recent study showed however that power generation from such biomass is not yet feasible without Government or EU support. While unlikely to contribute significantly to capacity in the near future, areas close to the 38kV stations being assessed which have soils suitable for SRF, are referenced in the report.
Biomass-Animal Waste
For a small number of locations resources of animal and other waste are available and their potential development is assessed.
Economic Analysis
The economic feasibility of windfarm developments only was assessed. This section therefore only refers to windfarms.
The actual wind energy potential at the selected site was evaluated using the WASP computer program (WASP - the Wind Atlas Analysis and Application Program - is a PC program for the horizontal and vertical extrapolation of wind data). The source information is 10 years of wind data from the nearest meteorlogical station.
The feasibility of a wind farm development at the proposed sites was assessed by an, indicative only, economic evaluation.
Programme(s)
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
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2 Dublin
Ireland