Application of a LiFePO4 Battery Energy Storage System to Primary Frequency Control: Simulations and Experimental Results

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental application of LiFePO 4 battery energy storage systems (BESSs) to primary frequency control, currently being performed by Terna, the Italian transmission system operator (TSO). BESS performance in the primary frequency control role was evaluated by means of a simplified electrical-thermal circuit model, taking into account also the BESS auxiliary consumptions, coupled with a cycle-life model, in order to assess the expected life of the BESS. Numerical simulations have been carried out considering the system response to real frequency measurements taken in Italy, spanning a whole year; a parametric study taking into account different values of governor droop and of BESS charge/discharge rates (C-rates) was also performed. Simulations, fully validated by experimental results obtained thus far, evidenced a severe trade-off between expected lifetime and overall efficiency, which significantly restricts the choice of operating parameters for frequency control.

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“…Gatta et al [97,98] evaluated the power consumption of the S-TMS for BESS and showed that the auxiliary consumption through the S-TMS increases with higher system utilization. Rydh et al [99,100] simulated LIB PV-BESS for the calculation of the overall system efficiency by including the auxiliary consumption of the S-TMS and analyzed the impact of different battery operating temperatures.…”

Techno-economic analysis and optimal control of battery storage for frequency control services, applied to the German market

“…The main focus of the work in [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9] and [10] is on the operational control strategy, including the recharge controller, of a BESS providing frequency control. This control strategy should be designed carefully, as it has an important impact on the required energy content and on the lifetime of the BESS, as shown in [4], [5] and [11].…”

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“…Specific protocols and regulations have been set by the TSO for the PCR operation and market participation of battery systems [22]. Model-based studies on battery systems providing PCR already evaluated battery lifetime [23,24], sensitivity studies on the energy management strategies and regulations [25], as well as economic implications for the battery system operation [24]. Figure 2 shows a schematic overview of the system under investigation.…”