Wind generation scheduling and coordination in ERCOT Nodal market

ERCOT has completed its transition from a Zonal market to an advanced Nodal market in December 2010. The new Nodal market enables Wind Generation Resources (WGRs) to realize their asset´s value and ensures the system reliability at the same time. ERCOT forecasts and publishes the Short-Term Wind Power Forecast (STWPF) and Wind Generation Resources Production Potential (WGRPP) for the next 48 hours. Utilizing STWPF in conjunction with specific local WGR information, the Qualified Scheduling Entities (QSE) submit Current Operating Plan (COP) for their WGR providing projected WGR capacities and statuses. The wind generation scheduling in Day-Ahead Market (DAM), Reliability Unit Commitment (RUC) and Security Constrained Economic Dispatch (SCED) is discussed in this paper. Phase shifting transformers tap settings are automatically determined as part of DAM and RUC optimization process to allow more effective power transfer from wind farms in the West Texas area to ERCOT load centers. In real-time operation, Nodal market recognizes the intermittence and variability of wind generation and imposes a wider tolerance for wind generating resource while applying Base Point deviation charges.