Primary reserves managment in power systems

Abstract

This paper deals with the impact of primary reserves management on the performance of frequency control. A parametric study is presented, investigating various primary reserves management strategies, and their impact on the performance of the primary control. Emphasis is on major emergency system faults. Methodologically, many study cases are defined in terms of allocated reserves volume, committed generators characteristics and governor controls. The study is conducted on a simplified model of the Tunisian transmission network. Loss of generation contingencies are simulated for the defined primary reserves settings and the results are compared in terms of frequency deviation critical values, leading to eventual load shedding. The results are discussed and recommendations are made to improve the operational security of the system.