Grid Frequency Research Articles

Deep Entropy-Learning based virtual inertia control for VRFB regulation considering Phase-Locked loop dynamics

The virtual inertia control (VIC) technique is often adopted as a prominent mechanism to address the inertia deficiency of modern integrated power systems with high penetration of sustainable energy units. In such control mechanisms, a phase-locked loop (PLL) is required to estimate the grid frequency. However, utilization of such frequency measurement platforms is accompanied by large frequency fluctuations due to its inherent dynamics. In particular, this paper proposes an adaptive integral recursive backstepping (I-RBSC) based on virtual inertia for the regulation of vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) in stand-alone Micro-Grids (SMGs). Unlike previous works that neglected the effect of frequency measurement devices, this work investigates the effect of PLL dynamics in virtual inertia control. The I-RBSC controller is designed by an entropy-driven actor-critic neural networks (NNs) to adaptively adjust the tunable coefficients during its interaction with the SMG. By training the ability of deep NNs, the entropy is maximized to regulate the system output. The VRFB unit can be discharged up to 90% which can quickly respond to the randomness of loads and sustainable energy units. The transient outcomes of SMG reveal the feasibility of I-RBSC (designed by entropy learning) to address the challenges of low inertia and PLL dynamics. The real-data of wind turbine and solar radiation are utilized to simulate the SMG in a more realistic framework from a systematic point of view. The comprehensive analysis under typical scenarios confirms the supremacy of the suggested VIC controller over prevalent state-of-the-art virtual inertia controllers including conventional VIC, fuzzy logic, backstepping, and model-predictive control (MPC).

Multi-Objective Sensitivity Analysis of a Wind Turbine Equipped with a Pumped Hydro Storage System Using a Reversible Hydraulic Machine

A typical wind system captures wind energy and converts it into electricity, which is then converted to DC for battery storage using an AC/DC converter; an inverter then supplies AC electricity at the grid frequency. However, this solution involves losses in electronic components and incurs costs and environmental impacts associated with battery storage. To address these issues, a different wind system layout configuration is considered, where the energy storage duties are assumed by a hydro storage system employing a reversible hydraulic pump (referred to as a Pump as Turbine). This solution utilises an elevated reservoir connected to the Pump as Turbine to compensate for fluctuations in wind and load; this approach offers lower costs, a longer lifespan, reduced maintenance, and a smaller waste management cost. This study focuses on a comprehensive sensitivity analysis of the new wind system power layout, considering multiple objectives. Specifically, the analysis targets the net change in the mass of water (potential energy) stored in the pumped hydro system, the captured wind energy, and the torque provided in hydraulic turbine mode. On the other hand, the design variables are represented by the Pump as Turbine-specific speed, the hydraulic system gearbox ratio, and the pump head. To assess how solutions are affected by random changes in wind speed and external load, the sensitivity analysis considers the multi-objective optimisation problem showing for both the wind speed and the external load a stochastic contribution.

State Policy In The Field Of Alternative Energy Sources In The Conditions Of Ensuring Energy Security Of Ukraine

The article analyses features of state policy in the field of alternative energy sources, particularly replacing traditional energy resources with alternative energy sources, aiming to reduce the energy intensity of Ukraine’s gross domestic product and ensure the state’s energy security. It is noted that Ukraine has significant potential for developing alternative energy sources, particularly wind energy, solar energy, bioenergy, hydropower, and geothermal energy. An analysis of the growth dynamics of the installed capacity of alternative energy source facilities operating under the «green» tariff has shown that solar energy is currently the most developed in Ukraine. This creates a foundation for further development of wind and bioenergy. The main practical benefits of energy storage systems are highlighted, including ensuring electricity supply to businesses when the external grid is disconnected, storing cheap electricity during excess capacity, and supplying it during peak demand when it is more expensive. Additionally, these systems have the potential to support and restore grid frequency. Storing surplus energy from solar power plants can increase the overall efficiency of the energy system. The author identifies the main tasks to be implemented within state policy to ensure energy security. These include investing in the restoration and decentralization of the energy system (increasing the share of electricity production from alternative energy sources, including the construction of wind and solar power plants, as well as energy storage facilities for the development of energy storage technologies produced from renewable sources), building biomethane production capacities, introducing new types of environmentally friendly fuels, increasing the construction of interconnectors with ENTSO-E to integrate Ukraine’s electricity system with the European power grid, enhancing the localization of energy storage systems, implementing innovative and efficient technologies in the electricity distribution sector, including smart grids, microgrids, and «vehicle-to-grid» systems, and resolving issues related to the «green» tariff.

Stability analysis and stabilization control of a grid-forming VSC-HVDC system

As the penetration of the integrated intermittent and fluctuating new energy (e.g., wind and photovoltaic power) increases, the conventional grid-following voltage source converter (VSC)-based high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system faces the problem of interactive instability with the grid. A novel grid-forming control strategy is proposed to overcome these issues, which adopts the dynamics of a DC capacitor to realize the function of self-synchronization with the grid. Moreover, the per-unit DC voltage can automatically track the grid frequency, acting as a phase-locked loop. Next, the small-signal model of the grid-forming VSC-HVDC system is established, and the stability of the system is analyzed using the eigenvalue analysis method and the complex power coefficient method. In addition, the stabilization controller is proposed for the grid-forming (GFM) control structure, which further enhances the grid-forming VSC-HVDC system’s stability and helps it operate stably under both stiff and weak grid conditions. Research results show that the VSC-HVDC system under the proposed grid-forming control can work stably in both stiff and weak grids. The grid-forming VSC-HVDC system is robust and can maintain stable operations with a large range variation of the parameters in the current and voltage control loop. Simulations are carried out on the PSCAD/EMTDC platform to verify the proposed grid-forming control strategy.

Real time implementation of scaled droop control in hybrid microgrid with hydrogen storage for regulation of voltage and frequency.

The incorporation of renewable energy resources (RERs) into smart city through hybrid microgrid (HMG) offers a sustainable solution for clean energy. The HMG architecture also involves linking the AC-microgrid and DC-microgrid through bidirectional interconnection converters (ICC). This HMG combines AC sources like wind-DFIG with DC sources such as solar PV and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), supported by battery energy storage systems (BESS) and hydrogen storage units (HSU). The HSU can generate and store hydrogen during RER surplus. This stored hydrogen can be further employed for production of electrical power along with numerous other applications. The HSU is emerged as a competent tool which can be utilised alone/in combination with BESS to enhance the system reliability. Harvesting power from clean and green sources requires its optimal operation and control while feeding to the existing grid. The existing strategies of controlling ICC are complex and not efficient; hence, a novel intelligent scaled droop control structure (SDCS) is proposed, utilizing frequency, DC voltage, and active power. The SDCS regulate voltage and frequency in both islanded mode (IM) and grid connected mode (GCM) of HMG. Experimental validation demonstrates its simplicity and effectiveness, making it suitable for smart city environments, ensuring uninterrupted power for critical loads with improved air quality.

Constraining the Abundance of Spinning Deformed Galactic Compact Objects with Continuous Gravitational Waves

Galactic spinning compact objects (COs) with nonzero ellipticity are expected to be sources of continuous gravitational waves (CGWs). Certain classes of hypothetical COs, such as neutron stars with quark cores (hybrid stars) and quark stars, are thought to be capable of sustaining large ellipticities from theoretical considerations. Such exotic COs (eCOs) with large ellipticities and spins should produce CGWs detectable by the current LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA GW detector network. Since no detections for CGWs from searches in LIGO-Virgo data have so far been reported, we place constraints on the abundance of highly elliptical, rapidly spinning eCOs in our Galaxy. We formulate a Bayesian framework to place upper limits on the number count N tot of highly deformed Galactic eCOs. We divide our constraints into two classes: an “agnostic” set of upper limits on N tot evaluated on a CGW frequency and ellipticity grid that depend only on the choice of spatial distribution of COs; and a model-dependent set that additionally assumes prior information on the distribution of frequencies. We find that COs with ellipticities ϵ ≳ 10−5 have abundance upper limits at 90% confidence, of Ntot90%≲100 , and those with ϵ ≳ 10−6 have Ntot90%≲104 . We additionally place upper limits on the ellipticity of Galactic COs informed by our choices of spatial distributions, given different abundances N tot.

Study on the stability and ultra-low frequency oscillation suppression method of pumped storage power plant with dual units sharing one pipeline

This paper aims to investigate the stability of the pumped storage power plant (PSPP) with dual units sharing one pipeline (DUSOP) and the method of suppressing the ultra-low frequency oscillation (ULFO) characteristics. Firstly, four nonlinear models of pumped storage regulation system (PSRS) with DUSOP are established under the design scenarios of no surge tank, upstream surge tank (UST), downstream surge tank, and upstream and downstream dual surge tanks. Then the stability of the PSRS under different surge tank arrangements (STAs) in the long diversion system design scenarios (LDSDS) is comparatively analyzed. Finally, based on the concept of stability margin, the influence mechanism of the operating points on the ULFO characteristics is investigated in the LDSDS with UST, and the influence of the governor parameters, hydrodynamic parameters, and mechanical parameters on the damping ratio and frequency of the system is also analyzed. The results show that among STAs, the design scheme of arranging the UST is more reasonable for PSPP with LDSDS from the comprehensive consideration of the economy of the project and the stability of the system. For PSPP with UST, on the line of equal stability margin, increasing the proportional gain, reducing the unit inertia time constant, reducing the water flow inertia time constant, and appropriately increasing the area of the surge tank can increase the frequency and reduce the amplitude, which is conducive to the suppression of ULFO. In the stability domain range, increasing the proportional gain increases the frequency and the system stability increases and then decreases. Increasing the integral gain decreases the frequency and then increases the system stability. At the same time, the frequency of the unit can be changed by adjusting the parameters of the system to avoid resonance between the frequency of the unit and the frequency of the power grid and to ensure the stability and safety of the unit operation.

Taking Advantage of Spare Battery Capacity in Cellular Networks to Provide Grid Frequency Regulation

The increasing use of renewable energies places new challenges on the balance of the electricity system between demand and supply, due to the intermittent nature of renewable energy resources. However, through frequency regulation (FR) services, owners of battery storage systems can become an essential part of the future smart grids. We propose a thorough first study on the use of batteries associated with base stations (BSs) of a cellular network, to participate in ancillary services with respect to FR services, via an auction system. Trade-offs must be made among the number of participating BSs, the degradation of their batteries and the revenues generated by FR participation. We propose a large-scale mathematical programming model to identify the best participation periods from the perspective of a cellular network operator. The objective is to maximize profit while considering the aging of the batteries following their usage to stabilize the electrical grid. Experiments are conducted with data sets from different real data sources. They not only demonstrate the effectiveness of the optimization model in terms of the selection of BSs participating in ancillary services and providing extra revenues to cellular network operators, but also show the feasibility of ancillary services being provided to cellular network operators.

Dynamical heterogeneity and universality of power-grids

Electric power systems during transient states are extensively investigated using variations of the Kuramoto model to analyze their dynamic behavior. However, the majority of current models fail to capture the physics of power flows and the heterogeneity of the grids under study. This study addresses this gap by comparing the levels of heterogeneity in continent-sized power grids in Europe and North America to reveal the underlying universality and heterogeneity of grid frequencies, electrical parameters, and topological structures. Empirical data analysis of grid frequencies from the Hungarian grid indicates that q-Gaussian distributions best fit simulations, with spatio-temporally correlated noise evident in the frequency spectrum. Comparing European and North American power grids reveals that employing homogeneous transmission capacities to represent power lines can lead to misleading results on stability, and nodal behavior is heterogeneous. Community structures of the continent-sized grids are detected, demonstrating that Chimera states are more likely to occur when studying only subsystems. A topographical analysis of the grids is presented to assist in selecting such subsystems. Finally, synchronization calculations are provided to illustrate the occurrence of Chimera states. The findings underscore the necessity of heterogeneous grid models for dynamic stability analysis of power systems.

Grid-Forming Control for Solar Generation System with Battery Energy Storage

Solar generation systems with battery energy storage have become a research hotspot in recent years. This paper proposes a grid-forming control for such a system. The inverter control consists of the inner dq-axis current control, the dq-axis voltage control, the phase-locked loop (PLL) based frequency control, and the DC voltage control. The proposed control embeds the PLL into the grid-forming inverter control, offering the advantages of better synchronization and fault current-limiting capability. With the proposed control, the battery energy storage is able to provide inertial and primary frequency support during the grid frequency disturbance. Simulation models are established in PSCAD/EMTDC, and the results during the active power variation and AC voltage variation, the grid frequency disturbance, grid fault, and mode switch validate the effectiveness of the proposed control.

Comparison between FLL and PLL in frequency estimation to supply distributed virtual inertia

To connect renewable energy sources (e.g. solar or wind) on the grid, an inverter or electronic converter is used. However, a traditional inverter has no inertia in the face of frequency changes. Unlike the inertia of the rotor of a synchronous generator. Frequency variations are a product of the imbalance between the energy generated and the grid loads. If the frequency is too far from its nominal value or if the rate of change of frequency (RoCoF) is high, it can affect the synchronism of the generators that feed the grid. Therefore, power cuts are made in sectors on the grid, thus preventing instability from spreading to other sectors on the grid, which translates into large economic losses. Solutions such as inverters with virtual inertia (or emulated inertia) are a good alternative due to their structural simplicity and low cost, compared to other solutions such as synchronous condensers, for example. For the virtual inertial control strategy, the grid frequency needs to be measured. This article compares the use of a phase-locked loop (PLL) or a frequency-locked loop (FLL) for frequency estimation and its effect on inertia emulation. The proposed control designs are validated through simulations.

Length of Overnight Fasting and 6-year Weight Change in the Cancer Prevention Study-3

BackgroundLonger overnight fasting (ONF) is a potential strategy for weight control. Although promising, the evidence from large population-based studies is limited. ObjectivesTo examine the association of self-reported ONF duration with 3- and 6-y weight change in the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Prevention Study-3 prospective cohort. MethodsUnited States adult Cancer Prevention Study-3 participants completed a 24-h validated meal and snack timing and frequency grid (weekday and weekend) in 2015, from which weighted ONF hours were calculated. Participants reported body weight in 2015, 2018, and 2021. Three- and 6-y weight change (kg, and % body weight) were assessed. ResultsAmong 104,420 mostly female (78.5%) participants aged 52.7 ± 9.5 (standard deviation) y followed for 6 y, a 1-h increase in ONF length was associated with a small but statistically significant reduction in weight gain over 3- and 6-y periods [multivariable-adjusted mean difference in % body weight = −0.02, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.05, −0.00, P = 0.03 and −0.04, 95% CI: −0.07, −0.01, P < 0.01, respectively]. The mean difference of 6-y % reduction in weight gain was slightly greater among individuals with overweight (−0.05, 95% CI: −0.10, 0.00, P = 0.05) and obesity (−0.06, 95% CI: −0.12, 0.01, P = 0.08) compared with those with healthy body mass index (−0.03, 95% CI:−0.07, 0.01, P = 0.13) or underweight (0.16, 95% CI: −0.04, 0.36, P = 0.13, Pinteraction < 0.0001). Stronger associations were observed among those ≤55 y than 56+ (P < 0.001), and those with higher waist circumference (Pinteraction < 0.0001) but not by sex or earlier/later fasting period. ConclusionsLonger ONF was associated with slightly lower body weight in adult males and females over 6 y that was stronger among those with overweight or obesity, higher waist circumference, and those aged ≤55 y. The magnitude of weight change, although in the hypothesized direction, suggests that prolonged ONF may have modest impact on weight control over time.

Frequency security-constrained unit commitment with fast frequency support of DFIG-based wind power plants

The integration of inverter-based renewable energy sources into power grids presents a unique challenge: a reduction in grid inertia, leading to potential frequency stability issues. This paper introduces an innovative approach to address this challenge, focusing on the dynamic role of wind power plants equipped with dual-fed induction generators (DFIG). Unlike traditional methods that rely on fixed inertia control strategies and wind power droop coefficients, our method offers a dynamic solution tailored to the fluctuating nature of grid frequency dynamics. We propose a novel variable inertia support mechanism, coupled with an optimized power point tracking control and strategic reserve, to maximize the effective use of wind power reserves without waste. Additionally, we account for the inherent uncertainties in wind power generation, enhancing the frequency support capabilities of wind turbines through a fast frequency response strategy. A key feature of our approach is the application of an advanced piecewise linearization fitting method to establish a robust frequency nadir constraint. This is integrated into a two-stage robust frequency security-constrained unit commitment model, enabling optimal real-time decision making for frequency stability in wind power plants. The efficacy and practicality of our proposed method are verified through a detailed case study on a modified IEEE 39-bus system and a hardware-in-the-loop experiment. Compared with the traditional fixed parameter control method, the cost is reduced by approximately 0.42%, while the linearization error at frequency nadirs remains within the range of -4% to 1.5%.

Research on the Flow Characteristics in the Gap of a Variable-Speed Pump-Turbine in Pump Mode

A variable-speed pump-turbine is the core component of a hydraulic storage and energy generation station. When the pump-turbine operates at a constant speed, its response to the power grid frequency is poor. In order to improve the hydraulic efficiency of the pumped storage unit, variable-speed units are used. However, there has been no numerical study on the effect of the rotational flow characteristics within the gap of a variable-speed pump-turbine. This paper calculates the flow characteristics within the gap of a variable-speed pump-turbine under three typical pump modes (maximum head minimum flow condition, minimum head maximum flow condition, and maximum speed condition). The research results indicate that the rotational speed significantly affects the pressure distribution, velocity distribution, and turbulent kinetic energy distribution within the crown and band gaps. The higher the speed, the larger the area of the high-pressure region before the runner inlet compared to other operating conditions, and similarly, the low-pressure area after the runner outlet is also larger than in other operating conditions. The change in speed mainly affects the internal flow field of the crown gap, with the most noticeable changes occurring in the pressure and flow velocity at the inlet and outlet of the crown gap. There is a clear trend of pressure drop and velocity increase within the gap as the speed increases. However, with the increase in speed, the pressure distribution and flow velocity within the band gap remain almost the same. In addition to speed changes, it is observed that the pressure within the gap and the flow velocity within the passages are also related to the head, especially in the condition of maximum head, where this relationship becomes more noticeable.

Inertia–Active Power Filter Design Based on Repetitive Control

The advent of distributed generation has brought with it a plethora of challenges for the nascent power systems that are being deployed on a large scale. Firstly, the majority of power electronic converters connected to the grid are in current source mode, which results in a lack of inertia and an inability to provide effective inertia or achieve damping support during fluctuations in grid frequency. Secondly, the issue of power quality, caused by the presence of harmonics, is becoming increasingly severe. This is particularly problematic in microgrids or systems with high line impedance, where harmonics can be amplified, thereby further compromising the stability of the power system. To address the deficiency in system inertia, numerous scholars are currently utilizing grid-forming (GFM) technology to achieve virtual inertia. In order to address the issue of system harmonics, it is possible to install active power filter (APF) devices at the point of common coupling (PCC), which serve to mitigate the effects of harmonics. This paper puts forth a proposal for the implementation of an APF with virtual inertia, based on PR + RC composite control. This composite control mechanism serves to enhance the harmonic suppression capabilities of the APF. The introduction of a frequency droop enables the capacitor voltage amplitude to be adjusted during fluctuations in system frequency, thereby achieving virtual inertia and providing active support for system frequency. The experimental results demonstrate that this strategy not only reduces the total harmonic distortion (THD) by 13% in comparison to PI control, indicating excellent harmonic suppression performance, but also allows the system to be inert, achieving positive results in suppressing frequency fluctuations during transients.

Hierarchical Frequency and SOC Control of Power Grids With Battery Energy Storage Systems

Hierarchical Frequency and SOC Control of Power Grids With Battery Energy Storage Systems

A Method for Calculating the Adjustable Capacity of Feeder Load Aggregators Considering the User’s Wishes

Abstract With the deepening of China’s energy reform, large-scale renewable energy access has put forward higher requirements for the flexible adjustment ability of the power system. The research and application of mining flexible and adjustable resources on the user side to participate in the peak regulation and frequency regulation of the power grid have received extensive attention. With the gradual opening of the power market and the deepening of the reform of the power system, the feeder load aggregator has gradually become a new role in the power market, and the feeder load aggregator plays an important role in the centralized management of users, the optimization of distribution, and the realization of market-oriented transactions. However, the research on the participation of feeder loads in the auxiliary services of power grid peak regulation and frequency regulation is not perfect. In this context, this paper proposes a method for calculating the adjustable capacity of feeder load aggregators considering the wishes of users, in which the maximum voltage adjustable at the feeder and the change of the capacity of each user caused by the feeder voltage regulation are calculated by the feeder load aggregator through the power flow relationship, and finally the adjustable capacity declaration for the ancillary service market is completed.

Design of main parameter of modular multilevel converter applied in power grid simulator

Abstract In the context of application in a power grid simulator, we investigated the parameter design issues of several crucial components of the Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) topology applied to the power grid simulator system. These components include the bridge arm inductance and submodule capacitance. Based on the fundamental circuit of the MMC applied to the power grid simulator system, we introduced an equal discharge time constant H. We analyzed the capacitor voltage fluctuation rate and the equivalent capacitance discharge time constant “H”, discovering that they still exhibit an inversely proportional relationship across different engineering scenarios. Consequently, a general method for determining submodule capacitance parameters was proposed, and in conjunction with previous engineering parameters, recommended values for an equal discharge time constant of 40 ms were provided. Furthermore, we introduced the concepts of double-frequency circulating resonant angular frequency and phase resonant angular frequency, outlining the principles for determining the bridge arm reactance values. Through the analysis of corresponding parameters in previous engineering studies, universally applicable recommended values for the bridge arm reactance parameters were proposed, considering the unit resonant angular frequency as the power grid frequency angular frequency 1.0ω.

Integrated Transmission and Distribution Co-Simulation Platform for Demonstration of Bulk Grid Services Using Distributed Energy Resources

In September 2020, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) released Order 2222, which opens wholesale markets to small-capacity distributed energy resources (DERs), recognizing their potential in improving operational efficiency by providing bulk grid services. Therefore, a co-simulation capability that can connect transmission and distribution (T&amp;D) simulations and evaluate the impacts of DER provision of bulk grid services is needed. In this paper, we present a new integrated T&amp;D co-simulation platform that incorporates T&amp;D system simulators, DER aggregator/group strategies, and a co-simulation coordinator. Industry-standard communication protocols are employed to mimic real-world conditions. Secondary frequency regulation is selected as the representative bulk grid service, and we simulate the responses of DERs to the frequency regulation signals. The simulation results for a solar-rich distribution feeder in Colorado, USA, demonstrate how the T&amp;D co-simulation setup is used to evaluate the contributions of DERs to minimize the bulk grid frequency deviation.

An Effective Strategy for Achieving Economic Reliability by Optimal Coordination of Hybrid Thermal–Wind–EV System in a Deregulated System

This paper describes an effective operating strategy for electric vehicles (EVs) in a hybrid facility that leverages renewable energy sources. The method is to enhance the profit of the wind–thermal–EV hybrid plant while maintaining the grid frequency (fPG) and energy level of the EV battery storage system. In a renewable-associated power network, renewable energy producers must submit power supply proposals to the system operator at least one day before operations begin. The market managers then combine the power plans for the next several days based on bids from both power providers and distributors. However, due to the unpredictable nature of renewable resources, the electrical system cannot exactly adhere to the predefined power supply criteria. When true and estimated renewable power generation diverges, the electrical system may experience an excess or shortage of electricity. If there is a disparity between true and estimated wind power (TWP, EWP), the EV plant operates to minimize this variation. This lowers the costs associated with the discrepancy between actual and projected wind speeds (TWS, EWS). The proposed method effectively reduces the uncertainty associated with wind generation while being economically feasible, which is especially important in a deregulated power market. This study proposes four separate energy levels for an EV battery storage system (EEV,max, EEV,opt, EEV,low, and EEV,min) to increase system profit and revenue, which is unique to this work. The optimum operating of these EV battery energy levels is determined by the present electric grid frequency and the condition of TWP and EWP. The proposed approach is tested on a modified IEEE 30 bus system and compared to an existing strategy to demonstrate its effectiveness and superiority. The entire work was completed using the optimization technique called sequential quadratic programming (SQP).