Deterministic grid frequency deviations and the provision of frequency containment reserve with battery storage systems

The synchronous grid of Continental Europe presents deterministic frequency deviations (DFD) that pose a challenge for grid stability and the provision of frequency containment reserve (FCR). There is a knowledge gap concerning the latest development of their occurrence and magnitude as well as their implications for the operation of large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the German FCR market. We analyzed the historic development of the occurrence and magnitude of DFDs from 2014 to 2023 as well as their seasonal patterns and daily profiles. For this analysis, we employed methods of time series decomposition such as classical and multiple seasonal-trend decomposition. Furthermore, we leveraged insights from our analysis to propose a rule-based approach for the storage management of BESS based on DFD-informed operation. Our results show an increase in the occurrence of high-magnitude DFDs of 37% from 2014 to 2023, with a 10 mHz rise in DFD magnitude explained by the historic trend. We found that the median occurrence of high-magnitude DFDs varies by up to 100% within a year. Our findings highlight the potential of integrating frequency behavior into FCR provision with BESS, prompted by the recent increase in DFD occurrence and magnitude. • 37% increase in high magnitude deterministic frequency deviations (DFD) 2014 to 2023. • 10 mHz rise in DFD magnitude explained by the historic trend between 2014 and 2023. • DFDs over 75 mHz and 100 mHz 65% and 100% more frequent in March than in July. • Weak correlation between FCR control energy demand and share of renewable production. • Proposal of a DFD-informed rule-based approach for FCR operation of storage systems.