Dynamic frequency control strategy for the CSP plant in power systems with low inertia

Variable renewable energy integration poses a challenge to the secure operation of the power system, especially for frequency security. How to provide frequency response to maintain satisfactory frequency performance is still an open question. Concentrating solar power, with renewable energy characteristics and synchronous units, is a potential solution to the frequency response problem. This paper discusses how concentrating solar power plants can be employed to ensure frequency security and proposes its dynamic frequency control strategy accordingly. The proposed strategy is contained in a novel unit commitment model with a primary frequency response and a secondary frequency response to co-optimize the energy reserve. The validity of the unit commitment model and proposed control strategy is verified by two case studies including a modified 6-bus and RTS-79 system.

Automated summary

Variable renewable energy integration presents challenges to power system operation, particularly regarding frequency security. Finding a solution to provide satisfactory frequency response is still an open question. Concentrating solar power, combining renewable energy characteristics and synchronous units, offers a potential solution to the frequency response problem. This paper discusses the use of concentrating solar power plants to ensure frequency security and proposes a dynamic frequency control strategy. The proposed strategy is implemented within a novel unit commitment model that includes primary and secondary frequency responses for optimal energy reserve co-optimization. The validity of the unit commitment model and control strategy is confirmed through case studies on a modified 6-bus and RTS-79 system.