Degree Type
Dissertation
Date of Award
2006
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Electrical and Computer Engineering
First Advisor
James D. McCalley
Abstract
The economic efficiency of the electric energy system depends not only on the performance of the electric generation and transmission subsystems, but also on the ability to produce and transport the various forms of primary energy, particularly coal and natural gas. However, electric power systems have traditionally been developed and operated without a conscious awareness of the energy system-wide implications, namely the consideration of the integrated dynamics with the fuel markets and infrastructures. This has been partly due to the difficulty of formulating models capable of analyzing the large-scale, complex, time-dependent, and highly interconnected behavior of the integrated energy system. In this dissertation, a novel approach for studying the movements of coal, natural gas, and electricity in an integrated fashion is presented. Conceptually, the model developed is a simplified representation of the national infrastructures, structured as a generalized, multiperiod network composed of nodes and arcs. Under this formulation, fuel supply and electricity demand nodes are connected via a transportation network and the model is solved for the most efficient allocation of quantities and corresponding prices for the mutual benefits of all. The synergistic action of economic, physical, and environmental constraints produces the optimal pattern of energy flows. Key data elements are derived from various publicly available sources, including publications from the Energy Information Administration, survey forms administered by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and databases maintained by the Environmental Protection Agency. The results of different test cases are analyzed to demonstrate that the decentralized level of decision-making combined with imperfect competition may be preventing the realization of potential cost savings. An overall optimization at the national level shows that there are opportunities to better utilize low cost generators, curtailing usage of higher cost units and increasing electric power trade, which would ultimately allow customers to benefit from lower electricity prices. In summary, the model developed is a simulation tool that helps build a better understanding of the complex dynamics and interdependencies of the coal, natural gas, and electricity networks. It enables public and private decision makers to carry out comprehensive analyses of a wide range of issues related to the energy sector, such as strategic planning, economic impact assessment, and the effects of different regulatory regimes.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.31274/rtd-180813-12059
Publisher
Digital Repository @ Iowa State University, http://lib.dr.iastate.edu
Copyright Owner
Ana Margarida Quelhas Alves de Freitas
Copyright Date
2006
Language
en
Proquest ID
AAI3229117
File Format
application/pdf
File Size
151 pages
Recommended Citation
Quelhas Alves de Freitas, Ana Margarida, "Economic efficiencies of the energy flows from the primary resource suppliers to the electric load centers " (2006). Retrospective Theses and Dissertations. 1555.
https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/rtd/1555
Included in
Electrical and Electronics Commons, Operational Research Commons, Other Economics Commons, Power and Energy Commons