Optimized Combinations of Tidal, Wind and Solar Electricity Generation with Energy Storage to Meet Nova Scotia’s Electrical Demand

Dr. Nathaniel Pearre discussing modeling projects with the RESL team.

Principal Investigators:
Dr. Lukas Swan
Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Dalhousie University

Dr. Nathaniel Pearre
Research Engineer, Dalhousie University

Project Timeline:
August 2018 – March 2019

Wind, solar and tidal-generated electricity have different — but potentially complimentary — cyclic times, which creates some interesting possibilities. This project looks at how best to meet Nova Scotia’s electricity load requirements through a combination of energy storage, intermittent renewable energy output, thermal and hydro generation.

Dr. Lukas Swan, one of the project’s principal investigators says, “The whole world is moving towards renewable energy. Its intermittent nature dictates we use energy storage. I am excited about our new model which lets us look deep into the future of Nova Scotia's energy sector. With electrification — think heat pumps and electric vehicles — demand will increase, but the sun and wind and tide resources will stay consistent. Our model is technical, and so I believe the results will stand the test of time, even with fluctuating economic conditions and technology supply."

He adds that early findings appear promising. “I'm encouraged by the results of our initial modeling scenarios. I see the potential to use this research model to answer so many questions. We can do this by changing the control strategy and re-executing the simulation. An obvious example is controls focused on peak-shaving. This will enable Nova Scotia to retire coal-fired generation.”