Review and Prospect of Primary Frequency Regulation Evaluation for New Power System

With the creation of new power systems in recent years, the system frequency security situation has significantly changed. One view is that replacing some thermal power plants with renewable sources like wind and solar is reducing system inertia and its frequency control capability. Conversely, increased variability on both supply and demand sides has led to frequent frequency safety incidents, challenging the safe and stable operation of power systems. Primary frequency regulation is crucial for enhancing the system's dynamic response to frequency disturbances, highlighting its importance to frequency security. Analyzing primary frequency regulation in the context of new power systems is essential. This study reviews literature on primary frequency regulation assessment from both unit and system perspectives. For units, the process can be evaluated using the frequency response curve, unit output power, and prime mover-governor model parameters. At the system level, methods like full-state time-domain simulations, linearized models, single-machine equivalent models, and AI techniques can assess primary frequency regulation capabilities. Lastly, this article forecasts future trends in evaluating primary frequency control in new power systems, considering the strengths and weaknesses of current approaches.