Analysing the impact of large-scale decentralized demand side response on frequency stability

Advances in communications technology, higher penetration rates of renewable energy and an evolution towards smarter electrical grids are enabling a greater role from demand side response (DSR) in maintaining power system security and reliability. The provision of primary operating reserve (POR) from domestic loads through a decentralised, system frequency based approach is discussed. By considering a range of system configurations (generation mix, system generation and load) and control strategies, this paper endeavours to answer critical questions concerning the large-scale roll out of decentralised DSR, including the following: what are the implications of DSR resource seasonal variability on system operation and performance following the loss of a large infeed/load? Do increased load coincidence and energy payback phenomena have the potential to significantly impact system frequency recovery? How do DSR controller hardware characteristics influence the provision and effectiveness of reserve delivery? What are the repercussions of a 'fit and forget' approach to decentralised control from flexible load on frequency stability as the technology penetration increases? Can DSR be directly substituted for conventional reserve sources while recognising its post-event recovery period? Residential customer behaviour, seasonal effects and the diversity of individual device characteristics are recognised in a detailed thermodynamic flexible load model which is integrated with a detailed power system model to perform the analysis.