Value of Point-of-load Voltage Control for Enhanced Frequency Response in Future GB Power System

TL;DR

This paper evaluates the potential of point-of-load voltage control using power electronic compensators to enhance frequency response in future Great Britain power systems, considering economic, environmental, and technical factors.

Contribution

It introduces a techno-economic assessment framework for PVC technology in future GB power systems, highlighting its role alongside BESS for EFR.

Findings

PVC can significantly contribute to EFR in future GB systems.

The integration of PVC with BESS improves frequency stability and reduces costs.

PVC deployment offers environmental benefits by enabling more efficient grid operation.

Abstract

The need for Enhanced Frequency Response (EFR) is expected to increase significantly in future low-carbon Great Britain (GB) power system. One way to provide EFR is to use power electronic compensators (PECs) for point-of-load voltage control (PVC) to exploit the voltage dependence of loads. This paper investigates the techno-economic feasibility of such technology in future GB power system by quantifying the total EFR obtainable through deploying PVC in the urban domestic sector, the investment cost of the installment and the economic and environmental benefits of using PVC. The quantification is based on a stochastic domestic demand model and generic medium and low-voltage distribution networks for the urban areas of GB and a stochastic unit commitment (SUC) model with constraints for secure post-fault frequency evolution is used for the value assessment. Two future energy scenarios in the backdrop of 2030 with `smart' and `non-smart' control of electric vehicles and heat pumps, under different levels of penetration of battery energy storage system (BESS) are considered to assess the value of PEC, as well as the associated payback period. It is demonstrated that PVC could effectively complement BESS towards EFR provision in future GB power system.