An overview of inertia requirement in modern renewable energy sourced grid: challenges and way forward

Abstract

AbstractAs the world strives toward meeting the Paris agreement target of zero carbon emission by 2050, more renewable energy generators are now being integrated into the grid, this in turn is responsible for frequency instability challenges experienced in the new grid. The challenges associated with the modern power grid are identified in this research. In addition, a review on virtual inertial control strategies, inertia estimation techniques in power system, modeling characteristics of energy storage systems used in providing inertia support to the grid, and modeling techniques in power system operational and expansion planning is given. Findings of this study reveal that adequate system inertia in the modern grid is essential to mitigate frequency instability, thus, considering the inertia requirement of the grid in operational and expansion planning model will be key in ensuring the grid’s stability. Finally, a direction for future research has been identified from the study, while an inertial constant of between 4 and 10 s is recommended to ensure frequency stability in modern power grid.