Power plant ramp rate control

Abstract

A method for controlling plant active power output ramp rate of a power plant to a PCC with a power grid includes obtaining information about a current RES active power output of a Renewable Energy Source (RES) in the power plant. The method also includes forecasting future RES active power output, during a predefined future time period. The method also includes, based on the obtained current RES active power output information and on the forecasted RES active power output, determining whether an expected ramp rate of the RES active power output during the predefined time period exceeds a predefined maximum ramp rate limit of a plant active power output. The method also includes, based on the determining, selecting a first control method which is based on the forecasted future RES active power output if it is determined that the expected ramp rate exceeds the predefined maximum ramp rate limit, or selecting a second control method, different from the first control method, if it is determined that the expected ramp rate does not exceed the predefined maximum ramp rate limit. The method also includes using the selected first or second control method to generate an ESS control signal for controlling the ESS active power output Psuch that the plant active power output ramp rate is kept below the predefined maximum ramp rate limit during the predefined time period.