Optimal scheduling of regional integrated energy system considering multiple uncertainties

Integrated energy system (IES) is an effective way to realize the efficient utilization of energy. Under the deregulated electricity market, IES operator gains profits by providing customers with energy service, including electricity, heat or cooling energy. With the deepening of market reform, higher penetration rate of renewable energy, economic risks embed in the IES. Based on this, an optimal scheduling model of regional IES considering uncertainties is proposed, aiming at maximizing the profits. Scenario analysis method has been adopted to model the uncertainties: Markov-Chain-Monte-Carlo (MCMC) sampling method, which has a better performance in fitting the probability distribution, is utilized to generate scenarios; K-means clustering method is applied to narrow down the sampling sets. By replacing the parameters in the deterministic model with the sampling sets, a series of optimal results can be achieved. The case study shows that the cooling storage tank can improve the economic benefits about 4.97% by converting electricity to cooling energy at lower price period and releasing energy at peak hours. Besides, through the proposed optimization model, operators can have a straight understanding of the venture brought by the uncertainties and a more reliable scheduling result is formed for reference.

Determining Factors and Scenarios of Influence on Consumer Migration from the Regulated Market to the Deregulated Electricity Market

Due to the constant evolution of the electricity markets around the world, new possibilities for contracting electricity are emerging. In Brazil, there are two models available to the consumer: the regulated contracting environment and the free contracting environment. Because of these possibilities for contracting electricity, it is important that consumers know how to migrate from the regulated to the free environment when it is an advantage. This study was conducted following the premises of three techniques: systematic literature review, gray literature review, and expert panel. The following question was asked: What are the determining factors to be considered by the consumer at the moment decision to migrate from the regulated electricity market to the free market? In total, 7 factors were identified and discussed in the literature review. The experts who participated in the study pointed out 3 influential scenarios in this decision making to migrate. The main contribution of this study is to provide the consumer with subsidies for decision making, given the determining factors to be taken into account when deciding on migration or not. In addition, the study contributed to the sector through a comprehensive discussion about the scenarios faced by consumers and how they can influence decision making.

An Ethereum Blockchain-Based Prototype for Data Security of Regulated Electricity Market

Data security of present-day power systems, such as the electricity market, has spurred global interest in both industry and academia. The electricity market can either be regulated (state-controlled entrance, policies, and pricing) or deregulated (open for competitors). While the security threats in a deregulated electricity market are commonly known and have been investigated for years, those in a regulated market still have scope for extensive research. Our current work focuses on exploring the data security of the regulated electricity market, and the regulated New Zealand Electricity Market (NZEM) has been considered for this research. Although the chances of cyberattacks on state-controlled regulated electricity market are relatively less, different layers of the current SCADA systems do pose some threats. In this context, we propose a decentralized Ethereum Blockchain-based end-to-end security prototype for a regulated electricity market such as the NZEM. This prototype aims to enhance data security between the different layers of the current SCADA systems. The detailed operation process and features of this prototype are presented in this work. The proposed prototype has prospects of offering improved data security solutions for the regulated electricity market.