| Description |
1 online resource (v, 40 pages) : color illustrations. |
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text txt rdacontent |
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computer c rdamedia |
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online resource cr rdacarrier |
| Series |
NREL/TP ; 6A20-65023 |
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NREL/TP ; 6 A 20-65023.
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| Note |
Title from title screen (viewed Feb. 18, 2016). |
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"November 2015." |
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Published through SciTech Connect. |
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11/01/2015. |
| Summary |
In 2013, the California Independent System Operator published the 'duck chart,' which shows a significant drop in mid-day net load on a spring day as solar photovoltaics (PV) are added to the system. The chart raises concerns that the conventional power system will be unable to accommodate the ramp rate and range needed to fully utilize solar energy, particularly on days characterized by the duck shape. This could result in 'overgeneration' and curtailed renewable energy, increasing its costs and reducing its environmental benefits. This paper explores the duck chart in detail, examining how much PV might need to be curtailed if additional grid flexibility measures are not taken, and how curtailment rates can be decreased by changing grid operational practices. It finds that under "business-as-usual"" types of assumptions and corresponding levels of grid flexibility in California, solar penetrations as low as 20% of annual energy could lead to marginal curtailment rates that exceed 30%. However, by allowing (or requiring) distributed PV and storage (including new installations that are part of the California storage mandate) to provide grid services, system flexibility could be greatly enhanced. Doing so could significantly reduce curtailment and allow much greater penetration of variable generation resources. Overall, the work described in this paper points to the need to fully integrate distributed resources into grid system planning and operations to allow maximum use of the solar resource. |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 37-40). |
| Funding |
Sponsored by National Renewable Energy Laboratory AC36-08GO28308 TM13.5020 |
| Subject |
Electric power-plants -- California -- Load -- Data processing.
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Photovoltaic power generation -- California.
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Energy policy -- United States.
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Solar Energy.
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Energy Planning, Policy, And Economy.
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Electric power-plants -- Load -- Data processing.
(OCoLC)fst00905715
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Energy policy. (OCoLC)fst00910200
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Photovoltaic power generation. (OCoLC)fst01062167
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California. (OCoLC)fst01204928
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United States. (OCoLC)fst01204155
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| Added Author |
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (U.S.) Researcher.
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United States. Department of Energy. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Sponsor.
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United States. Department of Energy. Office of Scientific and Technical Information. Distributor.
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| Added Title |
Field guide to the duck chart |
| Gpo Item No. |
0430-P-03 (online) |
| Sudoc No. |
E 9.16:NREL/TP-6 A 20-65023 |
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