Simulation of enhanced frequency response by battery storage systems: The UK versus the continental europe system

Nowadays, the large exploitation of Non-Programmable Renewable Energy Source (NPRES) generation for demand fulfillment reduces the operating hours of relevant conventional power plants, which traditionally provide the operating reserves for frequency (and voltage) control. Thus, the power system is becoming more vulnerable, also because NPRES support to ancillary service supply is often very limited. Large and fast frequency deviations, e.g., occur more often, so the risk of instability and blackout increases. New ancillary services and new providers for them are needed. Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) technologies could be good candidates, thanks to their fast response capabilities. In this work, the provision of an Enhanced (fast) Frequency Response (EFR) by a BESS is simulated, with reference to two main European synchronous areas: the UK and the Continental Europe (CE) system. The EFR service is evaluated by using real frequency data and considering the requirements issued by the UK TSO. For the CE system, those requirements are adapted according to the CE frequency behaviour. The energy exchanges requested from and carried out by the BESS, a service performance indicator, and the possible aging related to battery cycling are evaluated.