Piloting dynamic Fast Frequency Reserve (FFR) from Energy Storage Systems

As the energy grid evolves to include more renewable sources like wind and solar, maintaining stability becomes increasingly challenging. This project explores a new approach called dynamic Fast Frequency Reserve (FFR), using advanced energy storage systems to quickly respond to changes in grid frequency. By testing this technology in both lab and real-world settings, researchers aim to improve grid reliability and help shape future energy solutions that are cleaner, smarter, and more resilient.

As the world transitions to cleaner energy sources like wind and solar, maintaining the stability of the electricity grid becomes more complex. Traditional power plants, which use large spinning turbines, naturally help stabilize the grid by resisting sudden changes in frequency. However, renewable sources don’t provide this stabilizing effect, making the grid more vulnerable to disturbances. To address this, grid operators are exploring new ways to quickly respond to frequency changes and keep the system balanced.

One promising solution is Fast Frequency Reserve (FFR)—a service that rapidly injects or absorbs power to stabilize the grid when frequency drops or rises unexpectedly. While FFR already exists in a basic form, it is currently “static,” meaning it reacts once and then stops, without adjusting to ongoing changes. This project aims to pilot a more advanced version: dynamic FFR, which continuously adjusts its output in real time based on the grid’s needs.

The focus of this pilot is on using energy storage systems, such as batteries, to deliver dynamic FFR. These systems can respond within milliseconds, making them ideal for this kind of service. The project builds on earlier lab-scale experiments using supercapacitors and converters, and now seeks to test the concept on a larger scale using commercial battery installations.

General Approach

The project will begin with controlled lab tests at lab-environment first in Uppsala, where researchers will simulate grid conditions and evaluate how well the energy storage system can deliver dynamic FFR. Key performance factors include response time, stability, and accuracy of the power output. If the lab tests are successful, the team will move on to real-world trials using larger systems, such as Vattenfall’s battery installation in Uppsala.

The project also includes a detailed analysis of technical limitations, such as delays in control signals and the impact of frequent small adjustments on battery lifespan. These insights will help manufacturers fine-tune their systems and ensure they meet future grid requirements.

Control Implementation:

The project will adapt a previously tested dynamic FFR control model for use in larger battery systems. This includes tuning the controller to minimize time delays and ensure closed-loop stability.

Power Oscillation Damping (POD-P):

A secondary goal is to test whether the same battery system can also help dampen power oscillations, a different but related grid stability service.

Comparative Testing:

lthough not part of the SESBC-funded work, parallel research will compare dynamic FFR with other control strategies like synthetic inertia and virtual synchronous generators.
Battery Aging Models: The team will use existing models to estimate how dynamic FFR affects battery health over time, helping to balance performance with longevity.

Broader Impact

This project is part of the Swedish Energy Storage and Balancing Centre (SESBC) and contributes directly to its system-level goals. It supports the development of new grid services that are essential as more renewable energy is integrated. The results will be valuable not only for transmission system operators like Svenska kraftnät, but also for battery manufacturers, energy companies, and policymakers.
By demonstrating how dynamic FFR can be implemented using commercially available technology, this project aims to pave the way for a more resilient and flexible power grid—one that can keep pace with the rapid changes in how we produce and consume electricity.

People involved in the project:

Urban Lundin, Uppsala University
Danilo Laban, Uppsala University and Fortum Hydro AB
Vinicius Albuquerque, Uppsala University
Robert Eriksson, Uppsala University

Partners

Uppsala University
Vattenfall R&D AB
Svenska Kraftnät
SVC (Swedish center for Sustainable Hydropower)