Frequency-response coupling between synchronous areas in Europe

This paper investigates different control implementations for the frequency-response coupling between synchronous areas that feature a decentralized load-frequency control structure. The technical basics are presented, along with a 2-area benchmark system implemented in SIMULINK. Two new concepts are applied: Frequency-response delivery and frequency netting. The results show that both concepts are robust and stable. But as the frequency-response coupling affects the frequency performance in both the connecting and receiving synchronous area, the control scheme determines the overall system reliability. There are two reasonable options for the unilateral frequency-response delivery; the choice depends on the difference in the frequency restoration design between the synchronous areas. For frequency netting, only one scheme is applicable.