The introduction of wind powered pumped storage Systems in Greek isolated systems. Experiences and perspectives

Full text: In the present paper, the experiences gained from the study of Wind Powered Pumped Storage Systems (WP-PSS), introduced in Greek isolated power production systems, are presented. The presented systems were studied in the frames of either research or development projects, financed by the public or private sector. Two main categories of WP-PSS are presented: The introduction of WP-PSS for power peak saving. The construction and the operation framework of these systems are fully defined in the relevant Greek laws. These systems were studied in the frames of individual development projects. The introduction of WPPSS aiming at the maximisation of wind power. These systems are not yet fully defined in the Greek legislation and were studied in the frames of research works. More than ten WP-PSS have been technically and economically studied so far. Each one of them has been introduced in a Greek isolated insular power system, integrated according to the to the specific design parameters of the examined insular system (power demand, wind potential, land morphology, etc). All the accomplished studies may be considered as parts of one long-time unified project, aiming at the investigation of the prerequisites for the maximisation of the Renewable Energy Sources (R.E.S.) exploitation in Greece. The general conclusions arisen from the so far accomplished work are: The R.E.S. penetration percentage in the Greek insular systems may exceed 80% of the annual energy demand, by introducing pumped storage systems as storage device. The electricity production cost is minimized, even in the isolated systems of small size. The corresponding investments exhibit very good economical indexes, regardless the possible availability of initial capitals subsidy. In case of initial capitals subsidy availability, the investments exhibit quite attractive economical indexes. The dynamic security of the proposed systems (author)