Dynamic Power Systems Modeling: Power Plant Types, Demand, and Environmental Impacts

Abstract: It is increasingly important to understand the dynamics of power systems. Most notably, thetransition towards renewable energy sources will radically change the way our power systemworks. A better understanding of the system dynamics is crucial to smoothly transitiontoward a sustainable system without undesirable side effects. In this thesis, we examine howdifferent scenarios affect carbon dioxide emissions, electricity prices, and how they dependon controllable and uncontrollable factors. System dynamics modeling is used and thedynamics of the model are studied by simulating four scenarios: cold temperatures, lowprecipitation, nuclear plant dismantling, and higher costs for fossil-fueled energy production.The results show that by dismantling all nuclear power plants, there would be an increase incarbon dioxide emissions whereas a higher cost for fossil-based energy would lower theemissions.