Evaluation of multi-period coupling regulation capability of hydropower based on an explicit quantification method

Quantifying the regulation capability of flexible resources, particularly hydropower, is of significant importance for assessing the integration potential and consumption levels of wind and photovoltaic (PV) power. In this study, we introduce a novel and explicit methodology for assessing the regulation capability of hydropower, leveraging the concept of regulation electricity area. Firstly, we define the average power and regulation electricity area indicators to characterize the regulation attributes of hydropower. Subsequently, we derive the correlation expression between regulation electricity area and duration time, thereby constructing the regulation capability domain of hydropower. Finally, the regulation demand of net load is defined, and whether the hydropower output can meet net load demand is judged by matching the relationship between regulation demand and regulation capability domain. Through verification and comparison of traditional optimization scheduling models, our proposed approach demonstrates efficacy in evaluating hydropower's regulation capacity. Notably, our methodology exhibits a computational efficiency that is tenfold higher than traditional optimal operation models under large-scale PV and wind power fluctuation scenarios. It offers considerable application promise for rapidly screening and assessing scenarios that potentially compromise grid balance and security.