Clustering Analysis of CSP Plant Operation Models in High Renewable Power System Scheduling

As the proportion of renewable energy continues to climb, electrical grids are confronting significant challenges in maintaining stability and reliability, primarily stemming from the inherent intermittency of wind and solar power generation. Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) facilities with integrated thermal energy storage capabilities offer controllable clean energy resources that effectively mitigate these challenges. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of CSP operation modes within a high renewable energy power system scheduling framework, employing a novel clustering methodology to identify typical operational patterns. An integrated optimization scheduling model is developed to quantify the reliability improvements brought by CSP integration. Furthermore, clustering analysis is applied to identify typical CSP operation patterns under various renewable scenarios. Simulation results demonstrate that CSP plants significantly enhance system reliability and exhibit distinct operational characteristics, offering valuable insights for power system operators and planners.