Coordinated Optimization Method of Energy Storage and Flexible Demand Response for Industrial and Mining Loads

Coordinated optimization of industrial and mining load demand response with energy storage (ES) is a key approach to achieving power and energy balance in microgrids. To address the insufficient flexibility of high-energy-consuming lithium mining loads in demand response and the lack of effective coordination with ES systems, this paper proposes an optimized ES configuration strategy for microgrids considering lithium mining load participation in demand response. First, a quantitative mathematical model for the flexibility regulation potential of lithium mining loads is established, incorporating the production process of lithium extraction from salt lakes and the electricity consumption characteristics of key energy-intensive equipment, such as mechanical vapor recompression (MVR) systems. Next, considering the adjustment capability boundaries of photovoltaic (PV) units, concentrated solar power (CSP) units, gas turbines, ES, and flexible lithium mining loads, an optimal ES capacity configuration strategy is developed to minimize the comprehensive cost of the independent microgrid. Finally, simulations and comparative analyses based on real-world data from a region in western China validate the feasibility and advantages of the proposed model. Compared to strategies that consider only flexible lithium mining loads or ES in isolation, the proposed strategy effectively reduces temperature deviations and frequent fluctuations in adjustable lithium mining loads, while simultaneously enhancing system economic benefits and PV power utilization.