Review of Voltage and Frequency Grid Code Specifications for Electrical Energy Storage Applications

TLDR

Grid Codes specify technical boundary requirements to ensure power network stability and reliability across countries. The study aims to evaluate how developing Electrical Energy Storage technologies can support and realize Grid Code requirements and applications. The authors analyze GB Grid Code voltage and frequency specifications, compare them with other countries, and assess how various EES technologies meet these requirements and support applications. The study finds that EES devices can serve as auxiliary units in fossil‑fuelled plants and renewables to support system operation, and offers recommendations for EES development to aid Grid Code realization.

Abstract

To ensure the stability and reliability of the power network operation, a number of Grid Codes have been used to specify the technical boundary requirements for different countries and areas. With the fast propagation of the usage of Electrical Energy Storage (EES), it is quite important to study how the EES technology with its development can help the Grid Code realization. The paper provides a comprehensive study of Great Britain (GB) Grid Code mainly on its voltage and frequency relevant specifications, with a comparison of other countries’ grid operation regulations. The different types of EES technologies with their technical characteristics in relation to meeting Grid Codes have been analysed. From the study, apart from direct grid-connection to provide grid services on meeting Grid Codes, EES devices with different technologies can be used as auxiliary units in fossil-fuelled power plants and renewable generation to support the whole systems’ operation. The paper also evaluates the potentials of different types of EES technologies for implementing the relevant applications based on the Grid Codes. Some recommendations are given at the end, for the EES technology development to help the Grid Code realization and to support the relevant applications.