Stabilization of grid frequency through dynamic demand control

Short, Joe A. and Infield, David G. and Freris, Leon L. (2007) Stabilization of grid frequency through dynamic demand control. IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 22 (3). pp. 1284-1293. ISSN 0885-8950 (https://doi.org/10.1109/TPWRS.2007.901489)

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Abstract

Frequency stability in electricity networks is essential to the maintenance of supply quality and security. This paper investigates whether a degree of built-in frequency stability could be provided by incorporating dynamic demand control into certain consumer appliances. Such devices would monitor system frequency (a universally available indicator of supply-demand imbalance) and switch the appliance on or off accordingly, striking a compromise between the needs of the appliance and the grid. A simplified computer model of a power grid was created incorporating aggregate generator inertia, governor action and load-frequency dependence plus refrigerators with dynamic demand controllers. Simulation modelling studies were carried out to investigate the system's response to a sudden loss of generation, and to fluctuating wind power. The studies indicated a significant delay in frequency-fall and a reduced dependence on rapidly deployable backup generation.