Potential analysis of renewable distributed energy resources for frequency containment reserve provision

General trends in the electrical energy system and specific changes in European regulations for frequency control services are currently fostering the participation of renewable Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). This paper aims at comparing the potential for Frequency Containment Reserve (FCR) provision of different types of DERs, firstly by analysing market prices and generation time series. In the next step, the economical operation of these DERs is modelled with a linear programming approach. After performing the pool optimisation, the paper concludes with a case study, calculating line loadings in medium voltage benchmark grid models, if full FCR potential would be offered. The results show differences in FCR potential from various DER types. If DERs are operated revenue maximising, Run-of-River Hydropower and Combined Heat and Power plants show higher potential of FCR provision in winter, whereas Photovoltaic and Battery Energy Storage Systems in summer. A demonstration in MV benchmark grids shows minor changes in median line loadings and bus voltages.