FCR and aFFR
For Grid balancing
FCR Frequency Containment Reserve
FCR is an essential service in the power grid designed to maintain system stability by automatically responding to frequency deviations. It acts as the first line of defense when the balance between electricity supply and demand is disturbed, such as during a sudden loss of power generation or a spike in demand.
FCR is activated within seconds and functions to contain frequency fluctuations, keeping the grid frequency within safe operational limits (typically around 50 Hz or 60 Hz). It does this by automatically adjusting the power output of generating units or the consumption of large-scale loads, based on the magnitude of the frequency deviation. This immediate response helps to prevent dangerous grid instability, which could lead to blackouts or other grid failures.
FCR typically operates over short periods, ensuring that the system stays within the required frequency range until slower-responding reserves, like Automatic Frequency Restoration Reserve (aFRR), can take over and fully restore the balance.
The service is provided by both traditional power plants and newer technologies like batteries and other flexible energy resources, contributing to the overall resilience and reliability of the power system.
FFD POWER Peak-Valley Solution
Concentrated DC coupling BESS
FFD Power’s Containerized BESS offers a nominal capacity of 3.42 MWh with charging and discharging power ranging from 1250 kW to 1725 kW. This scalable solution, extending from 3.42 MWh to 102.6 MWh, is perfect for medium to large-scale industrial users and grid operators implementing peak-valley arbitrage. The batteries are separate from the Power Converting System (PCS), allowing for easy scalability by connecting multiple systems in parallel to the grid for larger capacities. This design is both compact and cost-effective, making it an ideal choice for maximizing efficiency and savings.
System design
Why FCR is Different
Frequency Containment Reserve (FCR) is crucial for maintaining grid stability, requiring precise and rapid response capabilities. Unlike other applications that may focus on energy optimization or integration, FCR demands highly specialized technology and intricate algorithms to keep the grid balanced in real-time. The complexity involved in managing FCR can be daunting, but this is where we excel.
Our Ready-to-Use FCR Solution
At FFD Power, we simplify the complexities of FCR by integrating our advanced Energy Management Architecture (EMA) with Kehua’s Power Conversion System (PCS). Our pre-installed solution is designed to be turnkey, providing everything needed to implement FCR effortlessly. This ready-to-use package ensures seamless operation, compliance with grid standards, and the reliability required to support critical aspects of grid stability.
Technical Features
Frequency ranges
47.5 Hz – 49.0 Hz More than 30 minutes
49.0 Hz – 51.0 Hz without limitation
51.0 Hz – 51.5 Hz More than 30 minutes
Resistance to the rate of change of frequency
Able to remain connected to the grid and operate at a frequency change rate of up to 1.7 Hz / s
Limited Frequency Sensitivity Mode - High Frequency (LFSM-O)
1. Frequency-Responsive Active Power Adjustment:
– Our BESS is capable of providing active power adjustments when the grid frequency deviates beyond the frequency insensitivity zone. The insensitivity zone is adjustable within the specified range of 50.2 Hz to 50.5 Hz , ensuring dynamic power regulation outside this zone.
2. Adjustable Static Settings:
– The static setting for active power adjustment in response to frequency changes is fully configurable between 0.1% and 12%, as required. These settings can be adjusted through the Energy Management System (EMS), providing flexible control in various grid conditions.
3. Fast Response Time:
– Our system is designed to react to frequency deviations with a delay of no more than **500 milliseconds** at the inverter output, ensuring rapid and reliable grid support during frequency fluctuations.
4. LFSM-O Mode Operation:
– The BESS operates effectively in LFSM-O mode, where it adjusts the release and absorption of active power based on frequency deviations. Specifically:
– When releasing power during overfrequency events, the system reduces active power output according to the LFSM-O characteristics.
– When absorbing power, the system increases the level of active power intake in line with the LFSM-O characteristic, until the full energy capacity of the BESS is reached.
– The system is capable of stable operation in LFSM-O mode, with flexible transition between power absorption and release modes.
5. Energy Management and Capacity Control:
– Our BESS draws electrical energy until the full energy capacity is reached, after which it ceases to absorb energy, preventing overcharging.
– The system also allows for continuous power absorption even during frequency increases, if specified by the TSO, ensuring reliable grid management.
6. Transition Time Consideration:
– The transition between energy absorption and release modes is taken into account, with different static settings applied as necessary. Our system is designed to handle these transitions smoothly, ensuring stability and continuity in grid operations.
Limited Frequency Sensitivity Mode - Low Frequency (LFSM-U)
1. Active Power Adjustment Beyond Frequency Insensitivity Zone:
– Our BESS is capable of adjusting active power when the grid frequency deviates beyond the defined frequency insensitivity zone. Specifically:
– The insensitivity zone is adjustable in the range of 49.8 Hz to 49.5 Hz, allowing precise control over power adjustments in response to underfrequency events.
2. Adjustable Static Settings:
– The system supports dynamic control of static settings, which can be modified in the range of 0.1% to 12% through the Energy Management System (EMS). This ensures that the response to frequency deviations is tailored to meet the grid’s operational requirements.
3. Fast Response Time:
– Our BESS reacts to frequency deviations within 500 milliseconds , as measured at the output of the synchronous machine or at the inverter. This rapid response time ensures that the system can promptly support the grid during frequency fluctuations.
4. LFSM-U Mode Operation:
– In LFSM-U mode, the BESS adjusts its active power according to the LFSM-U characteristic:
– When **absorbing power , the system reduces the active power draw as the frequency stabilizes, with the capability to transition to a release mode if necessary.
– When releasing power, the BESS increases active power output in response to frequency reductions, ensuring stable and effective support to the grid.
5. Energy Management:
– The BESS continues to release electrical energy until its **full energy capacity** is depleted, after which it automatically stops releasing. If specified by the TSO, the system can maintain the level of power release even after reaching a frequency threshold, ensuring grid stability during sustained underfrequency events.
6. Operational Transitions:
– The system accounts for the transition time required to switch between power release and energy absorption modes. The static settings may differ between these modes, and our BESS manages these transitions smoothly to ensure continuous and stable operation.
– The BESS respects limitations related to its full energy capacity, operating within safe and efficient parameters during all grid conditions.
7. Automatic Disconnection Protocol:
– If the BESS cannot transition to the release mode before the automatic low-frequency cut-off scheme is engaged, the system will disconnect as per the operational safety requirements. Disconnection will only occur if the release mode cannot be achieved before the frequency drops to 49 Hz.
Normalized primary frequency control mode ( frequency- sensitive FSM mode)
1. Active Power Response in Frequency Sensitive Mode (FSM):
– Our BESS adjusts active power in response to frequency deviations according to the TSO parameters for Frequency Sensitive Mode (FSM). The BESS operates with zero dead zone and insensitivity in some configurations, and with standard settings for frequency control when needed.
2. Active Power Response Parameters:
– The BESS meets the specifications for active power response to frequency deviations, including:
– A minimum active power change of 10% relative to the nominal power reference.
– Maximum primary regulator insensitivity of 10 mHz (which is equivalent to 0.02% of the nominal frequency).
– A dead zone for frequency response within 0-200 mHz, which prevents unnecessary power adjustments for small frequency variations.
– The system’s static setting is adjustable between 0.1% and 12%, providing flexibility in responding to frequency deviations.
3. Power Adjustment for Frequency Deviations:
– During frequency increases, the BESS adjusts its active power output to ensure the reduction in power does not exceed the system’s maximum power reduction capacity. Conversely, during frequency decreases, the increase in active power output is limited to the system’s maximum release capacity. This allows the BESS to manage power flow efficiently and avoid overloading the grid.
4. Frequency Hopping Handling:
– The BESS is designed to handle sudden and significant frequency changes (also known as frequency hopping). It adjusts its active power output quickly and accurately in response to these rapid frequency variations, avoiding any fluctuations in power delivery and maintaining system stability.
5. Response Time for Frequency Deviations:
– Our system complies with the following response time requirements:
– The initial delay in adjusting active power in response to a frequency deviation is no more than 500 milliseconds.
– Full activation of the required active power adjustment occurs within 30 seconds , ensuring the system provides timely and effective support to the grid.
6. aFRR Service Provision:
– The BESS is fully capable of providing **Automatic Frequency Restoration Reserve (aFRR)** services. It continuously adjusts the active power output in response to actual frequency deviations in the grid, ensuring effective frequency regulation throughout the aFRR service period.
– Following a return to normal frequency conditions, the BESS restores its energy capacity within **2 hours**, while continuing to provide necessary frequency regulation services corresponding to the normal operational mode of the grid.
– During the energy recovery phase, the BESS may reduce its aFRR capacity in cases of pre-emergency or emergency grid conditions, but it will still contribute to the grid’s stability and return to normal operating conditions.
Remote on/off
1. Active Power Stop Command:
– Our BESS is designed to **stop releasing active power or reduce active power output to zero within 5 seconds of receiving a command through the input port. This ensures rapid response to grid operator commands in case of emergency or other operational needs.
2. Remote Control Compatibility:
– The system is configured to allow for remote control as specified by the relevant Operator. The design ensures that the equipment can be modified or upgraded to meet any specific requirements provided by the TSO or other grid operators for remote management of the BESS.
Active power management
1. Active Power Adjustment Command:
– The BESS is capable of changing the active power output within 10 seconds of receiving a command through the input port. This ensures timely and efficient adjustment of power output in response to grid operator instructions.
2. Remote Power Adjustment Capability:
– The BESS is designed to allow for remote adjustment of active power output, and the system can be equipped to meet specific equipment requirements as defined by the TSO. This ensures flexibility and compatibility with various remote control systems for active power management.
Regulation of active power
1. Remote Adjustment of Active Power Setpoint:
– The BESS is capable of adjusting the active power setpoint based on remote control actions or commands received from the TSO. The system supports real-time remote management, allowing for precise control over active power output.
– The TSO defines the required timeframe for reaching the new active power setpoint, as well as the tolerance levels for the adjustment. Our BESS complies with these set parameters, ensuring reliable and responsive adjustments.
2. Manual Control by the TSO:
– In cases where the BESS is removed from the System of Automatic Regulation Frequency and Power (SARFP), the TSO can manage the system in manual mode. The TSO will immediately inform the BESS owner of the transfer to manual control, specifying the time of the switch. The BESS remains fully operational under manual control, ensuring continuous compliance with operational standards.
3. Participation in Frequency Containment Reserve (FCR):
– The BESS fully supports participation in FCR, adhering to the following specific requirements:
– FCR activation occurs based on the setpoint provided by the TSO, with a delay not exceeding 30 seconds.
– Full activation of FCR is achieved within 15 minutes from the receipt of the command.
– The BESS provides stable output of FCR power from the moment of activation for a minimum duration of 60 minutes , ensuring sustained frequency regulation support.
– The system ensures accuracy in measuring active power and maintaining the setpoint, with a deviation tolerance of no more than ±1.0% of the nominal power of the BESS.
4. Measurement and Information Transmission:
– The BESS measures key operational parameters, including active power, with an accuracy cycle of 1 second or less. These measurements and relevant data are transmitted in real-time to the TSO, ensuring continuous monitoring and control over the system’s performance.
Automatic connection
1. Frequency and Voltage Conditions:
– The BESS automatically reconnects to the grid only when the grid frequency is within the acceptable range of 49.9 to 50.1 Hz.
– The voltage level must be within a ratio range of 0.9 to 1.1 for automatic reconnection to be permissible.
2. Delay Time for Automatic Reconnection:
– The system includes a minimum delay time of 60 seconds before initiating reconnection, ensuring that stable grid conditions are established prior to re-entry.
3. Maximum Gradient of Active Power Increase:
– The BESS complies with the requirement for the maximum gradient of increase in output active power, which is set at ≤ 20% of maximum power (Pmax) per minute. This controlled power ramp-up ensures that the system reconnects smoothly without causing disturbances to the grid.
4. Alternative Conditions:
– If other specific conditions are agreed upon between the TSO, the BESS owner, and the relevant Distribution System Operator (DSO), the system can be configured to comply with those parameters for automatic reconnection.
Artificial inertia
1. Artificial Inertia Functionality:
– Our BESS is designed to replicate the inertia effect typically provided by synchronous generating units, through the use of inverter technology. This artificial inertia helps stabilize the grid during rapid frequency changes by mimicking the inertia response that conventional generators would provide.
2. Control System and Parameters:
– The operating principles of the control systems used to deliver artificial inertia are determined by the TSO. Our BESS is equipped with flexible and responsive control systems that can be configured to meet the specific parameters required by the TSO, ensuring that the artificial inertia contribution is effective and aligned with grid stability needs.
3. Parallel Operation in the Grid:
– The BESS operates in parallel with the grid, supporting its stability during fast frequency deviations by delivering the required artificial inertia response up to the predefined level established by the TSO.
Resistance to short circuit
1. Artificial Inertia Functionality:
– Our BESS is designed to replicate the inertia effect typically provided by synchronous generating units, through the use of inverter technology. This artificial inertia helps stabilize the grid during rapid frequency changes by mimicking the inertia response that conventional generators would provide.
2. Control System and Parameters:
– The operating principles of the control systems used to deliver artificial inertia are determined by the TSO. Our BESS is equipped with flexible and responsive control systems that can be configured to meet the specific parameters required by the TSO, ensuring that the artificial inertia contribution is effective and aligned with grid stability needs.
3. Parallel Operation in the Grid:
– The BESS operates in parallel with the grid, supporting its stability during fast frequency deviations by delivering the required artificial inertia response up to the predefined level established by the TSO.