Using frequency dependent electric space heating loads to manage frequency disturbances in power systems

In this paper the use of frequency dependent space heating loads to manage frequency disturbances in power systems is investigated. Setting values of space heater thermostats are made dependent of locally measured network frequency. Studies are carried out through time domain simulations. Studies imply that the use of frequency dependent loads in frequency disturbance management is an efficient tool for managing power unbalances. This kind of load control method´s consequences and harm to the users of the space heaters can be negligible, but the significance of this controllable load to the power system can be very high. It is very important to coordinate the operation of frequency dependent load carefully with other control actions taking into account the cold load pick-up phenomenon related to the use of this type of load.