Determination of optimal reserve contribution of thermal units to afford the wind power uncertainty

Due to unforeseen variations in wind speed profiles, wind farm integrations are recognized as intermittent and uncertain energy contributors. More specifically, integration of such renewable energy resources aligned with the conventional thermal units although reduces the emissions and brings about a clean environment, it introduces serious problems in assigning optimal and reliable level of these units in load supplying and spinning reserve provision. This situation is more intensified considering the uncertainties arisen by the power system loading demand. To facilitate such operational hurdles, the ongoing study puts forward an efficient model for assigning the optimal spinning reserve which accommodates the uncertainties in both the wind speed and load profiles. Stochastic behavior of these parameters is simulated by generating a proper number of scenarios through the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) approach. Then, each of these scenarios is evaluated based on the established linear mixed integer approach in a deterministic fashion. Accordingly, a computationally efficient approach is obtained paving the way for real-world implementations and assuring the global optimum results. The proposed approach is applied to a 12-unit test system including 10 thermal units and 2 wind farms. Results are reflected in terms of the commitment status, energy dispatches, and reserve contributions of each committed unit. A comprehensive discussion is conducted to disclose the possible improvements.