Gas and Diesel Engines Step Up as Variable Resources Grow

摘要

More than 145,000 MW of new variable generation resources could be added to the North American bulk power system in the next decade, according to the North American Electric Reliability Corp's (NERC's) 2008 Long-Term Reliability Assessment. With variability comes uncertainty, however. A new NERC report says that variable resources differ from conventional and fossil-fired resources in a fundamental way: their fuel source cannot presently be controlled or stored. Unlike coal or natural gas, which can be sent to plants and stockpiled for use when needed, variable fuels must be used when and where they are available. Gas and diesel engines represent one form of quick response reserve generation. These machines are receiving growing attention from resource planners. Akira Tsunoda, chief engineer, Strategic Planning Group at Mitsubishi Power Systems, believe that modern, high-efficiency reciprocating engines or gas turbines offer the optimum solution for enhancing stability as renewable source generators enter service.