Evolution Toward a Smart Energy Supply System in the Balearic Islands.

Abstract

The Balearic Islands are a typical example of centralized energy supply system based on the work of a large coal thermal power plant. Low reliability and high emissions are some the problems inherent to this configuration. Highly oscillating demand curves and increasing energy consumption are added problems in this case. Furthermore, many critical points have been identified in the power transportation grid that can cause the failure of the whole system. Many of these problems are inherent to isolated centralized energy systems. In the studied case the connection to the mainland grid is not solved, though options are being considered by the authorities. However neither of these solutions will fulfil all the needs of the Balearic power system nor profit the high potential in RES of these islands. That way, new solutions are needed for assuring the energy supply. One of these solutions is the application of the idea of the virtual utility (VU) configuration. Some of the advantages of this idea in front of other options are the high agility of the system to find the optimal operation point, the high integration of RES and the high reliability due to the use of distributed generation facilities.