Modeling Tools for Energy Systems Analysis (MOTESA) (2016-2017)

Understanding the potential and effects of different penetration levels of wind and solar power requires detailed characterization of 1) renewable resources, 2) conventional electricity generation infrastructure and 3) the interaction and coordination of the two in a balancing authority, independent system operator or regional transmission organization.

Earlier iterations of the MOTESA project responded to these three requirements by developing and making accessible a few tools that vary in purpose and sophistication, but that each serve as building blocks for more complex models and are downloadable, well documented and user friendly.

This Bass Connections project set out to contribute to the assessment of 1) the economic, reliability and environmental implications of new regulatory constraints (e.g., emissions standards or carbon prices that could result from implementation of the Clean Power Plan); 2) new technologies (e.g., Integrated Solar Combined Cycle, Carbon Capture and Sequestration with Concentrating Solar and coal-drying processes); and 3) new market clearing tools in the U.S. and China. This work required simulating the operations of different power systems (e.g., Duke Energy Progress/Duke Energy Carolinas System and scale versions of midcontinent ISO and PJM power systems) according to models previous MOTESA teams have developed.

Timing

Summer 2016 – Fall 2016

Team Outcomes

Report and accompanying computer model that takes as inputs general characteristics of a power generation unit and as outputs a curve of heat input and air emissions along with estimates on water use/consumption

See earlier related team, Modeling Tools for Energy Systems Analysis (MOTESA) (2014-2015).