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With the increasing penetration of grid-scale renewable inverter-based generators and batteries and the gradual withdrawal of thermal generators, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) is introducing new and improved ancillary markets. The quick response time of inverter-based and battery-based resources to frequency changes in the grid has led to the creation of new ancillary markets for Fast and Very Fast Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS) that will become available in 2023.
These services aim to provide additional support to the grid and maintain system stability as the grid becomes increasingly reliant on renewable energy sources. The Fast FCAS market will be capable of responding to frequency deviations within six seconds, while the Very Fast FCAS market will be capable of responding to deviations within 1 second. As a result, inverter-based generators and batteries will be able to provide faster and more accurate frequency response, helping to ensure grid stability in the face of changing generation patterns. The introduction of these markets represents an important step towards the integration of renewable energy into the grid, enabling it to maintain stability and reliability while achieving decarbonisation targets.
The VECTO Grid OS monitoring platform has recently announced its support for the latest and planned requirements for Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS) measurement and verification by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). This development comes as part of VECTO’s ongoing commitment to providing reliable and effective solutions for grid monitoring and control.
The VECTO 3 edge computer serves as the upgrade’s backbone, recording high-resolution, real-time grid data that are GPS timestamped with 100 nanosecond accuracy, allowing for synchronised FCAS power and frequency reporting. This ensures the precision and dependability of the data being monitored and recorded, making it a must-have tool for FCAS providers.
The cloud-based VECTO Grid OS platform now supports automated AEMO FCAS verification and reporting standards. The platform provides a specialised CSV output that is simply uploaded into AEMO’s FCAS verification tool (FCASVT). This feature enables seamless interaction with AEMO’s system, making it easier for FCAS providers to meet reporting standards and requirements.
Graphical Analysis
One of the main advantages of the latest upgrade is that it automatically covers AEMO’s Very Fast, Fast, Slow, and Delayed FCAS requirements, while also providing users with graphical analysis of frequency events and their recovery. This feature enables users to identify and analyse frequency events, providing a more comprehensive understanding of grid performance. The graphical analysis also allows for easy visualisation of the data, making it easier for decision-makers to understand and act on the information.
These enhancements provide a robust and efficient solution for monitoring and verifying FCAS performance in the Australian electricity grid. As the energy transition continues, the importance of reliable and effective FCAS services will only increase, and VECTO’s latest upgrades will play an essential role in meeting these challenges.
In addition to the new FCAS monitoring and verification capabilities, VECTO also offers a range of other features to help power operators, engineers and consultants manage their grid infrastructure. VECTO’s event graphing toolbox, for instance, enables users to visualise their grid’s performance in real-time, allowing them to quickly identify issues and take corrective actions. The Synchrophasor Diagnostics functionality is another key feature that allows users to evaluate the functioning of their grid using very accurate synchronisation data.
