Towards accurate estimation of fast varying frequency in future electricity networks: The transition from model-free methods to model-based approach

Abstract

Accurate estimation of fast varying fundamental frequency in the presence of harmonics and noise will be required for effective frequency regulation in future electricity networks with high penetration level of renewable energy sources. Two new algorithms for network frequency tracking are proposed. The first algorithm represents a robust modification of classical zero crossing method, which is widely used in industry. The second algorithm is a multiple model algorithm based on the systems with harmonic regressor. Algorithm allows complete reconstruction of the frequency content of the signal, using information about the upper bound of the number of harmonics only. Moreover, new family of high-order algorithms together with new stepwise splitting method are proposed for parameter calculation in systems with harmonic regressor for the accuracy improvement. Statistical methods are introduced for comparison of two new algorithms to classical zero crossing algorithm. The modified algorithm provides significant improvement compared to the classical algorithm, and the algorithm with harmonic regressor provides further improvement of the statistical performance indexes with respect to the modified algorithm.