Maximizing solar share using robust system reserve for optimal operation of energy storage-integrated hybrid power systems

In hybrid power systems, the effective deployment of energy storage systems is a challenging task due to the unpredictable and intermittent nature of renewable energy sources. This paper proposes an operational model for solar-integrated hybrid power systems to address key issues, including economic operation, reliable solar energy integration, energy deficits, and the allocation of overall system reserves, alongside efficient storage management. A mixed-integer optimization model is formulated to minimize overall system operating costs, maximize solar energy share, and maintain robust reserve limits, subject to practical constraints. To allocate appropriate reserves, a contingency-based system reserve is formulated to ensure reliable operation under simultaneous solar and thermal contingencies. The joint optimization problem is solved by decomposing it into sub problems. The solution employs Lagrange relaxation, binary search lambda iteration, contingency based system reserve analysis, and binary integer programming. Additionally, a Pareto-optimal solution is presented to balance the maximization of solar power plants and the minimization of solar energy costs, ensuring a reliable solar energy share.