Study of Enhanced Frequency Support for the UK Electrical Network

The transition from hydrocarbon-based energy to a cleaner alternative in the form of solar, wind and tidal energy. These cleaner alternatives are regarded as Renewable Energy Sources (RES). The high penetration of RES is causing a shift in grid infrastructure, a need for decentralized ancillary services in the form of Energy Storage Systems (ESS) is required to assist the modern grid which would have a high penetration of RES. Energy management schemes (EMS) model the power exchange between the grid and ESS for frequency control. This thesis is focused on design of EMS to operate the ESS required for frequency control. Two management schemes are deployed and tested using real time frequency data from the NGET (National Grid Electricity Transmission). The management scheme aims to give insight into ESS sizing based on different time audits such as monthly, weekly and daily. The EMS is designed in Matlab/Simulink environment and aimed at improving ESS state of charge (SOC), availability and ESS longevity.

The BESS modelled in this thesis is developed for EFR specification only, the EFR protocol requires the BESS to respond to frequency perturbation on the utility network. The BESS model has not been technically specified for Ancillary services on the utility network such as Black Start, Voltage control and Back-Up, which will require longer sustained output from the BESS.