PhD Project: Modelling the Value of Bulk Battery Storage on the Irish Electricity System

Opportunity to apply for funding under the 2021 Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship, working with a leading energy company.

Ireland restructured the electricity trading system through the introduction of the Integrated Single Electricity Market (I-SEM) and the ongoing DS3 Programme. These initiatives aim to help integrate intermittent renewable generation through, for example, incentivising better forecasting of renewables and the provision of system services. TU Dublin is currently working with an Irish wind energy operator to develop novel tools and strategies which will help optimise asset investment and operation.
The focus of this project will be to develop modelling and simulation capabilities to optimise the use of bulk battery storage technologies, operating both stand-alone to provide electricity system services, and when coupled with intermittent generation such as wind or photovoltaic farms to improve dispatchability and value. Modelling methods may be mechanistic, statistical or hybrid and will be based on large data sets. Resulting dynamic, mechanistic models may then be used to investigate and optimise a number of scenarios, including:
• the specification and operation of co-located battery-wind-PV systems;
• balancing grid supply and demand on multiple time scales;
• peak shaving and price arbitrage opportunities; and
• storing and balancing renewable generation.
This work will build on existing research work in the field of energy price forecasting and bidding being undertaken at TU Dublin.