Intermittency

Definition

Intermittency refers to the irregular and unpredictable nature of energy generation from renewable sources, such as wind and solar. This phenomenon can lead to fluctuations in power supply, making it challenging to match energy production with demand consistently. Understanding intermittency is crucial when integrating hybrid systems and complementary energy sources to ensure a reliable and stable energy supply.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Intermittency can cause challenges for power grid operators as they work to balance supply and demand in real-time.
2. Hybrid systems often combine intermittent renewable sources with reliable ones, like natural gas or hydro, to mitigate the effects of intermittency.
3. Energy storage solutions, such as batteries and pumped hydro storage, play a vital role in addressing intermittency by storing excess energy for use during low generation periods.
4. Forecasting weather patterns is essential for predicting when renewable energy sources will produce power and planning accordingly to manage intermittency.
5. The integration of complementary energy sources can enhance the reliability of power systems by providing backup generation when intermittent sources are not producing enough energy.

Review Questions

• How does intermittency affect the integration of renewable energy sources into the power grid?
  • Intermittency creates challenges for integrating renewable energy sources because their output can be unpredictable and variable. This means that power grid operators must continuously adjust supply to meet demand, which can lead to reliability issues. To address this, hybrid systems that combine intermittent sources with more stable energy generation options are often implemented, helping to ensure a consistent energy supply.
• Discuss the role of energy storage in managing the effects of intermittency within hybrid energy systems.
  • Energy storage plays a crucial role in managing intermittency by allowing excess energy generated during peak production times to be stored and released during periods of low generation. Technologies like batteries and pumped hydro storage can capture renewable energy when it's available and discharge it when needed. This capability not only smooths out fluctuations in energy supply but also enhances the overall reliability of hybrid systems.
• Evaluate the strategies that can be employed to minimize the impact of intermittency on power systems using hybrid configurations.
  • To minimize the impact of intermittency on power systems using hybrid configurations, several strategies can be employed. These include integrating diverse energy sources that complement each other—such as combining wind and solar with natural gas or hydropower—to provide a steady power output. Additionally, implementing advanced forecasting techniques for renewable generation can help operators anticipate changes in supply. Enhancing grid infrastructure and developing robust energy storage solutions further support reliability by ensuring that electricity remains available even when intermittent sources are underperforming.

Related terms

Renewable Energy Sources: Energy sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and biomass.

Energy Storage: Technologies and methods used to store energy for later use, essential for managing the variability of intermittent energy sources.

Grid Stability: The ability of an electric grid to maintain continuous operation without interruption, ensuring that supply meets demand.