Design Criteria for Large-Scale Energy Storage and Regulation of Pulsed Power on Utility Grids

Large Scale Energy Storage (LSES) is essential for recurrent pulsed or stochastic loads which may appear on the electric utility grid and require stringent regulation of system voltage and frequency. Experience with stochastic loads such as electric arc furnaces or wind turbine generators indicate recurrent power swings in the range of 125 MW in 2.0 seconds are common and cause significant shifts in main system voltage on grid systems at 35-138 kV potential or larger. This paper examines the case of large pulsed loads implemented on systems with relatively high source impedance; inertial energy storage is shown as a viable means of providing compensation and regulation in contrast to other forms of energy storage.