Experimental validation of demand side response rates for frequency control

Renewable energy generation is replacing conventional synchronous generators in electrical power systems around the world. A side effect of this trend is a reduction in system inertia and the power available for frequency control. In this study, the authors investigate an island power system of interest under different conditions with varying levels of demand side response penetration and analyze its impact on frequency behavior. The obtained simulation results are then complemented with a series of experiments carried out using a combination of real hardware and Power-Hardware-In-the-Loop equipment, to test the validity and limitations of the simulation results. In summary, demand side response can notably improve the frequency response of an island power system, but excessive demand side response leads to unacceptable frequency oscillations.