A stochastic framework for the grid integration of 1 wind power using flexible load approach

14 15 Wind power integration has always been a key research area due to the green future power system target. However, the 16 intermittent nature of wind power may impose some technical and economic challenges to Independent System Operators 17 (ISOs) and increase the need for additional flexibility. Motivated by this need, this paper focuses on the potential of Demand 18 Response Programs (DRPs) as an option to contribute to the flexible operation of power systems. On this basis, in order to 19 consider the uncertain nature of wind power and the reality of electricity market, a Stochastic Network Constrained Unit 20 Commitment associated with DR (SNCUCDR) is presented to schedule both generation units and responsive loads in power 21 systems with high penetration of wind power. Afterwards, the effects of both price-based and incentive-based DRPs are 22 evaluated, as well as DR participation levels and electricity tariffs on providing a flexible load profile and facilitating grid 23 integration of wind power. For this reason, novel quantitative indices for evaluating flexibility are defined to assess the 24 success of DRPs in terms of wind integration. Sensitivity studies indicate that DR types and customer participation levels are 25 the main factors to modify the system load profile to support wind power integration. 26 © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. 27 28