Multi-timescale scheduling of multi-energy complementary system for desert-gobi-wasteland region considering source-load uncertainties

The high-efficiency integration of renewable energy into multi-energy complementary systems (MECS) is imperative for sustainable power generation. However, it continues to be challenging due to the inherent uncertainties of renewable sources and multi-energy loads. To tackle this issue, this study develops a novel multitimescale scheduling framework that integrates Copula theory to model photovoltaic (PV)-wind power correlations. To enhance load-side uncertainty management, an improved wild horse optimizer (IWHO) combined with a deep echo state network (DESN) is developed for electric and heat load forecasting. The forecasting results are applied to a three-layer scheduling model including day-ahead, rolling, and real-time scheduling for MECS in "Desert-gobi-wasteland" regions, analyzing how flexible load responses and energy storage improve economic efficiency. Comparative analyses of typical spring and summer days show significant differences in energy balancing dynamics. Using a typical spring day as an example, rolling and real-time scheduling achieved cost reductions of 16.51 % and 19.96 %, respectively, compared to day-ahead scheduling, with wind and solar curtailment costs decreasing by 47.1 % and 69.73 %. Energy storage optimizes renewable energy utilization, further reducing cost. The integration of reducible and transferable load strategies into day-ahead scheduling resulted in additional cost reductions of 1.83 % and 0.99 %, respectively. This research demonstrates that multitimescale scheduling and flexible load responses are pivotal for enhancing the operational efficiency of MECS in modern power systems, providing actionable strategies for renewable integration and uncertainty mitigation.