The Impact of the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse on the Power System Frequency of US Interconnections: A Case Study

With the deployment of wide-area monitoring systems, power systems can be continuously monitored and analyzed, particularly during unusual events. Frequency fluctuations in the United States (US) interconnected power grid are influenced by various factors, including weather conditions and variability in solar power generation. This paper investigates the impact of the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, on the frequency stability of the US power grid. Phasor measurement data from multiple interconnections are collected and analyzed. Methods of approximate frequency estimation for each interconnection are employed. The study involves comparing the frequency distribution, probability density, and variance on the eclipse day with those of non-eclipse days. The results provide insight into the grid's response to reduced solar generation and underscore the importance of predictive measures to maintain stability during solar eclipses and similar disruptions. The study shows that the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) experienced a dramatic increase in frequency fluctuations − 198% higher compared to periods without eclipse - highlighting the grid's vulnerability to reduced solar irradiance. Conversely, Eastern Interconnection (EI) demonstrated remarkable stability during the eclipse with minimal frequency fluctuations.