Analysis of the minimum activation period of batteries in frequency containment reserve

The capacity of battery energy storage systems (BESS) to adjust power output swiftly and precisely makes them ideal for provision of frequency containment reserve (FCR), the fastest type of frequency control. Since BESS are only recent providers of FCR, there is uncertainty in the applicable requirements while regulation adapts to BESS. In this paper, the minimum activation period as an unresolved regulation issue is investigated. Therefore, two generic methods to calculate the resulting limits of the normal operation range are introduced (considering and not considering corrective power) and compared for a minimum activation period of 15 and 30 minutes. The operation of BESS providing FCR was simulated based on the two calculation methods for numerous system designs. Results of these simulations demonstrate the significance of the regulation on BESS operation and design. Shorter minimum activation period reduces required corrective energy and increase income potential from FCR significantly.