The UK Network Innovation Competition funds projects like VISOR, which could deliver carbon or environmental benefits. Following the VISOR project, a team led by Vandad Hamidi, National Grid SMARTer System Performance Manager, has been awarded nearly €13 million (£10 million) to look at enhanced frequency control capability (EFCC).
Why is enhanced frequency control so important?
Vandad Hamidi: Traditionally, frequency stability relies on a large volume of high-inertia equipment, mainly thermal generation units. Meeting UK carbon reduction targets will result in a significant increase in the volume of renewables, which have little or no inertia. At times when these replace the thermal units, this reduces system inertia and increases the volume and speed of frequency response requirements. Under existing arrangements the cost of controlling frequency will increase to £200-£250 million a year by 2020. EFCC could save £150-£200 million of this.

Dynamic model including synchronous generation, a transiently constrained corridor, and wind generation injection.
What is the new approach?
V.H.: Our system will obtain fast, accurate frequency and voltage angle data at locations around the system, and distribute the information to locations where it is used in controlled responses to disturbances. The target is to counter a loss of power infeed or load as quickly as possible, close to the source of the disturbance. The monitoring and control system being developed by Alstom will initiate a fast power response proportional to the rate of change of frequency, and directed towards areas of the grid where it is effective at controlling frequency without adding to power flow stresses in the grid. This wide area monitoring and control system is designed to coordinate with local frequency control schemes.