Addressing Inertia and Grid Stability in Central Europe: A Comprehensive Approach for a Sustainable Energy Future

Thank you for addressing this topic. The real challenge is to use network-forming properties of inverter systems without causing the opposite of the intended attenuation of frequency gradient and voltage change. Here, however, we are still at the beginning with regard to the further development of the supply system, let alone there is extensive operational experience with the technologies that the manufacturers claim are already available. Our current system is dominated by synchronous generators with coupled steam or hydro turbines, there is inertia a natural property. In a future system these source will more and more substituted by inverter systems with different possibilities. Solutions actually usually theoretical, so practical solutions need some time.

Vijay Shinde quite an interesting read..

Thx for the highlighting! Here you can find some more challenges 😉 https://gfkv.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GfKV-The-European-Electricity-Supply-System-in-Transition.pdf

An excellent summary. In fact, real inertia is even more important: naturally inertial systems additionally (and concurrently) deliver voltage and frequency control, power quality, and various esoteric grid operability functions like phase-locked loops. Grid-forming inverters can deliver some of these, but not all. And only naturally inertial systems can deliver Black Start, starting the grid from black-out. Batteries with grid-forming inverters claim to do so (and National Grid and others are wasting millions trying to prove it), but their own pior work shows that it doesn't have the oomph to start up big adjacent loads or grid sections. And nothing on any voltage level can physically start up a grid section at a higher voltage level. The best solution is to use naturally inertial storage, and all long-duration electricity storage is synchronous (considering flow batteries as medium duration). Optimally, that storage will be between the renewable generation and the grid, so that only dispatchable (vaiable on demand) and syncronous power gets onto the grid in large quantities, reducing the grid reinforcement and ancillary services costs by up to 3/4. ROCOF = rate of change of frequency; in layman's terms, a spike on the mains.

Many thanks Vijay Shinde for your comments. I would add that we must deal with the issues of inertia with both a systems approach and also on a pan-European, networked basis. Besides the technical issues, I would be interested to hear everyone’s thoughts upon the interconnected systems related challenges, including the strategic and political perspectives. Please put your comments in the chat. Many thanks!