4 ms·
When demand exceeds supply, the grid frequency goes below the 60Hz target. From what I've read, the frequency of the grid is closely monitored at all times, and
by chihuahua 5y ago
When demand exceeds supply, the grid frequency goes below the 60Hz target. From what I've read, the frequency of the grid is closely monitored at all times, and a lot of effort goes into keeping it at or near the target.
I assume in this situation, the voltage also goes below the target, because people talk about "brown-outs" which I believe means that you get less than 120V from an outlet.
I can speculate that when supply exceeds demand, this creates a similar problem, but in the opposite direction.
- jordwest 5y ago> From what I've read, the frequency of the grid is closely monitored at all times, and a lot of effort goes into keeping it at or near the target. Can confirm, did some work in a power station. The frequency is displayed in very large font front and centre of the control room. It's really a leading indicator of the health of the network, so any fluctuations are monitored very closely and the operators would sometimes jump on the phone with nearby generators if it starts doing something unexpected. Another interesting fact, in the control room there was also an indicator showing the frequency adjusted clock time. Older clocks (like many of those bedside alarms) used the 50/60Hz as a clock rather than using a built-in crystal, so it was important to make sure that over time the frequency did average out to 50/60Hz to keep clocks in sync.