Activation of Frequency Containment Reserve
The activation of FCR occurs linearly with the deviation from the nominal grid frequency of 50.0 Hz. Unlike other types of balancing services, the activation of FCR is decentralized and solidaristic throughout the entire continental European synchronous area.
The activation of FCR is decentralized because:
- TSOs do not operate a call-off system for FCR.
- each awarded technical unit independently and locally measures the grid frequency.
This makes FCR a distributed, very robust type of control power.
The activation of FCR is solidaristic because:
- consideration is given only to the grid frequency deviation, not which TSO in Europe is responsible for it.
- all technical units in continental Europe participating in FCR help to stabilize the grid frequency.
This allows large disruptions to be collectively mitigated. Disruptions can either lead to a power surplus or a power deficit. In the case of a power surplus, the grid frequency rises above the nominal frequency of 50.0 Hz, while in the case of a power deficit, the grid frequency falls. To stabilize the frequency deviation, negative FCR is needed for a power surplus, and positive FCR is required for a power deficit.
In the case of a frequency deviation outside the deadband, FCR providers must deliver FCR within a maximum of 30 seconds. The deadband of 49.99 – 50.01 Hz avoids unnecessary frequent switching between positive and negative provision. Within the deadband, providers do not need to deliver FCR.