Frequency containment reserves with large deadband

Abstract

Frequency containment reserves (FCR) or formerly called primary reserves are a major component for the stability of the continental Europe power grid. Up to now, mainly gas power plants are providing FCR and their ongoing decreasing profitability in Europe has a non-negligible impact on the FCR provision cost. In this paper, the concept of FCR with large deadband is introduced and discussed. We show that frequency dynamics after a large disturbance and frequency distribution can be maintained at a satisfactory level. The introduction of FCR with large deadband could lower their procurement cost without impacting significantly the frequency quality and enable new participants, e.g. Demand-Side Management or renewable curtailment, to enter the reserve markets.