Frequency Regulation with Renewable Energy Integration

Abstract

The increasing worldwide focus on integrating renewable energy sources into power grids has attracted significant interest, motivated by the projected benefits of an almost unlimited supply and favorable environmental effects. Among the several choices for renewable energy, wind power emerges as a leading contender, positioned for significant expansion in the foreseeable future. Nevertheless, the incorporation of wind power into current systems presents numerous obstacles, particularly regarding grid stability, despite its acknowledged advantages. The intrinsic qualities of wind power, which include intermittency and non-dispatchability, create complexity in the dynamics of the energy system. The sporadic nature of wind energy source adds further fluctuations to an already changeable frequency deviation landscape, making the issue of maintaining frequency stability even more difficult. The decrease in stability is ascribed to a decrease in system inertia and regulatory capabilities. This research thoroughly examines the diverse impacts of wind and solar power on many components of power system dynamics, such as frequency deviation, stability, tie-line flows, and area control error. The goal is to fully comprehend and examine the consequences of incorporating wind power, particularly as its levels of implementation rise. The findings presented in this research offer valuable perspectives on the complexities of frequency regulation capability under various wind power penetration scenarios. These insights serve as a basis for determining the optimal levels of RES penetration while maintaining specified limits on frequency deviation. The wider framework of incorporating renewable energy, marked by the rapid increase in the installation of wind and solar power, brings about uncertainty to both transmission and distribution systems. The sporadic characteristics of these sustainable sources frequently result in temporary discrepancies between power generation and demand. Historically, the resolution of such discrepancies has entailed augmenting spinning reserves, resulting in significant expenses. The research suggests an inventive method called a dynamic demand control (DDC) approach that combines primary and secondary methods for regulating frequencies. The core of the suggested technique is the active management of a fraction of the workload to maintain control over the frequency. This method not only tackles abrupt decreases in frequency but also actively aids in aligning the frequency with its intended nominal values. By utilizing dynamic demand control, the demand side of the power equation can efficiently and effectively contribute to frequency regulation, thereby decreasing the requirement for a significant generating reserve and, thus, reducing associated costs. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the difficulties associated with incorporating wind and solar power into existing power systems. It presents a proactive approach that utilizes dynamic demand control to improve the stability and efficiency of power systems as renewable energy becomes more prevalent.