Frequency control and under frequency load shedding in the isolated area of Sharorah, Saudi Arabia

Due to the smaller system size and the limited number of generation units available, managing the frequency of isolated areas is a different challenge than in large interconnected systems. The level of reserves to be maintained, the units dispatch, and the settings of the Under Frequency Load Shedding (UFLS) are factors that have a large impact on the operation of the isolated system. The first major consideration is the generation costs including fuel and operation and maintenance costs of the units. The second important factor is the reliability of the system for the economic development of the area. This paper presents the methodology followed to review the Frequency control and UFLS settings of the isolated area of Sharorah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, encompassing the technical and economic aspects mentioned above. The advantages and drawbacks of each option were illustrated in the economic analysis of the system to support final recommendations.