Persistent high frequency was observed in the India grid on 4th, 11th and 25th August 2024, with frequency remaining above 50.05 Hz for around 26 per cent, 33 per cent and 38 per cent of the time respectively.
This reports examines the operating conditions and response of generation/drawee entities. Factors limiting the short term operational flexibility have been analysed and way ahead to enhance the same have been shared. The contributing factors for high-frequency operation in the Indian power system on 04, 11, and 25 August 2024 are listed below:
- Suppressed demand due to wide spread rains and weekend
- Over injection by VRE sources
- Limited flexibility from hydro power stations and pumped storage plants due to high inflows and high reservoir levels
- Inadequate flexibility of intra state thermal generating stations and under drawl
- Lack of DOWN reserves at interstate level
- Inadequate liquidity in DAM/RTM, resulting in the states committing more units.
Sustained high frequency operation is a threat to grid security. While shot-term (realtime, day-ahead, and week-ahead) operational planning can offer only temporary relief, sustainable interventions are needed for managing high frequency in the longterm. This includes expediting several interventions and suggestions discussed earlier in various related forums, committees and reports. The summary of important suggestions for enhancing flexibility in grid operations are given below:
- Reduction in minimum turn down level of intrastate thermal stations as per CEA regulations
- Reduction in minimum turn down level to 40 per cent of MCR
- Two shift operation of selected thermal units with high energy charge rate
- Incentivise flexible operation by notification of compensation for part load operation and start/stops
- Implementation of resource adequacy framework
- Increase capacity of long duration storage
- Power market reforms – reduce fragmentation of the market, raise market cap, negative pricing
- Frequency response from renewable energy sources
- Curtailment of renewable energy generation as a last resort during sustained high frequency
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