The frequency control refers to the balancing of frequency deviations due to imbalances between generation and consumption (active power control). In the power transmission networks in Germany and Europe, there is a frequency of 50 Hertz, which must be kept constant at all times by the transmission system operators with a small deviation tolerance. To achieve this, the influences of variable loads and generation must be compensated for with the help of primary and secondary control reserve.

Benefits:

• Security of supply
• Additional revenue stream

How Frequency control works

There may be discrepancies between power generation and consumption that result in an increase or decrease in frequency. If the generated power is greater than its consumption, this will result in an overfrequency. Underfrequency occurs when the generated power is less than the power consumed. With frequency control, generation plants or consumer plants react automatically to frequency deviations that occur. Thus, in the case of overfrequency, generation plants reduce the feed-in of power or consumers increase the power. The reverse is true for underfrequency. Battery storage systems can also be used to stabilize the grid frequency, since batteries can react to frequency changes within seconds.