Open data base analysis of scaling and spatio-temporal properties of power grid frequencies

TL;DR

This paper analyzes an open database of power grid frequency measurements from multiple locations worldwide, validating scaling laws and revealing how fluctuations evolve from local to global behaviors, advancing collaborative energy system research.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive empirical analysis of power grid frequency data across diverse regions, validating theoretical scaling laws and illustrating fluctuation dynamics.

Findings

Validation of a previously conjectured scaling law.

Demonstration of fluctuation transition from local to bulk behavior.

Provision of an open database for future research.

Abstract

The electrical energy system has attracted much attention from an increasingly diverse research community. Many theoretical predictions have been made, from scaling laws of fluctuations to propagation velocities of disturbances. However, to validate any theory, empirical data from large-scale power systems are necessary but are rarely shared openly. Here, we analyse an open data base of measurements of electric power grid frequencies across 17 locations in 12 synchronous areas on three continents. The power grid frequency is of particular interest, as it indicates the balance of supply and demand and carries information on deterministic, stochastic, and control influences. We perform a broad analysis of the recorded data, compare different synchronous areas and validate a previously conjectured scaling law. Furthermore, we show how fluctuations change from local independent oscillations to a homogeneous bulk behaviour. Overall, the presented open data base and analyses constitute a step towards more shared, collaborative