In the dynamic world of energy storage, a groundbreaking development has emerged from the labs of Wuhan University, China. Zhen Gong, a researcher at the School of Electrical Engineering and Automation, has introduced a novel method that could revolutionize how battery energy storage systems (BESS) support grid stability. The research, published in the Chinese Society for Electrical Engineering Journal of Power and Energy Systems, focuses on enhancing the inertial and voltage support capabilities of BESS through a fast coordinated power control method.
Imagine a power grid where frequency and voltage fluctuations are swiftly countered, ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply. This is the promise of Gong’s innovative approach, which introduces two augmented channels: the frequency-reactive power channel (FRPC) and the voltage-real power channel (VRPC). These channels work in tandem to provide real-time support to the grid, mimicking the inertial response of traditional power plants and stabilizing voltage levels.
The FRPC leverages the rate of change of frequency (RoCoF) to generate reactive power, effectively emulating the inertial response of conventional generators. “By utilizing RoCoF, we can generate reactive power that complements the grid’s inertial response,” Gong explains. This means that during sudden changes in grid frequency, the BESS can quickly respond, providing the necessary reactive power to stabilize the system.
Meanwhile, the VRPC uses the rate of change of voltage (RoCoV) to generate real power, addressing voltage fluctuations. “The coupling between RoCoV and the demanding real power of the grid allows us to generate real power that complements the voltage control,” Gong adds. This dual-channel approach ensures that both frequency and voltage are tightly regulated, enhancing the overall stability of the power distribution system.
The research also highlights the use of grid-voltage-modulated direct power control as the inner power control loop. This method outperforms traditional vector-oriented control, offering faster dynamic performance and more precise tracking of power references. The combination of these advanced control strategies results in a BESS that can provide rapid and accurate support to the grid, improving its resilience and reliability.
The implications of this research are vast. As the energy sector transitions towards renewable sources, the need for stable and responsive energy storage solutions becomes paramount. Gong’s method could pave the way for more efficient and reliable grid operations, reducing the risk of blackouts and ensuring a steady power supply. This could be a game-changer for utilities and energy providers, enabling them to integrate more renewable energy sources while maintaining grid stability.
The validation of this method through simulations and hardware-in-loop experiments underscores its potential. As the energy landscape continues to evolve, innovations like Gong’s could shape the future of power distribution, making grids more resilient and adaptable to the challenges of the 21st century. The research, published in the Chinese Society for Electrical Engineering Journal of Power and Energy Systems, marks a significant step forward in the field of energy storage and grid stability.
