AC energy islands for the optimal integration of offshore wind energy resources: Operation strategies using multi-objective nonlinear programming

The increasing need for integrating offshore wind generation into power systems has highlighted energy islands as a promising solution. Such islands also could incorporate responsive infrastructure for improving grid flexibility such as energy storage and hydrogen production. AC energy islands could be particularly cost–benefit effective for short and medium distances between wind power parks and onshore grids. However, the implementation of AC energy islands presents challenges from the viewpoints of voltage stability, power dispatch and reliable operation. This paper develops optimal operation strategies for AC energy islands including: i) a nonlinear optimal power flow approach for controlling the reactive power compensation systems; ii) a finite horizon mathematical programming approach for the management of BESS and hydrogen production systems; and iii) a multi-objective programming approach for maximizing the active power delivered to the onshore power grid while minimizing the nodal voltage deviations simultaneously. Results show that the single-objective approach for real and reactive power dispatch reduces voltage deviations by around 20 % and line currents by over 70 % in the evaluated test system, compared to the non-optimal scenario. Moreover, the incorporation of energy storage in AC energy island test system increased the capacity for power dispatch over 10 %. Additionally, the multi-objective approach is effective in aligning the nodal voltages with nominal values and maximizing the power delivered to the onshore grid. Results show that with a small 1% reduction in power delivery, the proposed multi-objective approach achieved an approximate 50 % decrease in nodal voltage compared to the single-objective approach. • Description of a nonlinear model addressing the operation of AC energy islands. • Inclusion of optimal management for energy storage and hydrogen production. • Multi-objective approach to maximize power delivery and reduce voltage deviations. • Comprehensive analysis of the impact of different technologies on AC energy island operations.