3 ms·
Most grids have a rapid response system like this. They’ll have contracts with very large power consumers (think big hydro pumps, metal smelters etc) that can a
by avianlyric 6y ago
Most grids have a rapid response system like this. They’ll have contracts with very large power consumers (think big hydro pumps, metal smelters etc) that can afford to have their equipment power down without notice in exchange for energy rebates.
Then when the frequency drops these consumers will automatically turn off their equipment to reduce power draw.
The seeing such a huge drop like this is extremely unusual, no doubt many systems immediately started load shedding (both voluntary and involuntary) to compensate
- calaphos 6y agoApparently first threshold for cutting of hydro storage pumps below 49.85 Hz was undercut very briefly. Immediately afterwards the frequency reaches that threshold again, so I assume those measurements were working as planned. Below 49Hz larger consumers would be cut off in steps of ~10% of the network load. AFAIK this includes large industrial consumers who are legally required to have the equipment in place to allow for that.
- avianlyric 6y agoIndustrial consumers will have a contract to be part of first tier load shedding, rather than a legal mandate. If the grid really needs to shed load, it doesn’t ask, switchgear will just be programmed to physically disconnected consumers at certain grid frequencies. As a consumer you should have equipment that can survive that if it’s important to you, the consumer can then normally get rebates for loss of service later. Special locations like hospitals are normally the last to be load shed, and the surrounding grid will shed everyone else first, before disconnecting them.