Quantitative assessment of frequency security-constrained regulation enhancement enabled by heterogeneous resources

• This paper proposes a systematic method to quantify heterogeneous resources’ enhancement potential. • Proposing a comprehensive model characterizing the regulation capabilities of heterogeneous enhancement resources. • Deriving an explicit linearized low-order analytical model for frequency regulation energy of energy storage resources. • Proposing an evaluation method and novel indices, enabling unified quantification of their regulation enhancement effects. • Designing an ARDL algorithm for nonlinear frequency constraints, substantially improving computational efficiency. Increasing regulatory challenges in maintaining supply–demand balance and frequency security within renewable-rich power grids necessitate flexible resource integration. To effectively quantify the enhancement potential of heterogeneous resources, this paper proposes an evaluation methodology for multi-type resources’ regulation capability enhancement. First, a power-based quantitative model considering both normal operating condition and post-contingency frequency regulation is established to capture multi-dimensional regulation requirements with available resources. Subsequently, a comprehensive model characterizing the regulation capabilities of enhancement resources including traditional units and diverse energy storage technologies is developed. An explicit linearized low-order analytical model for frequency regulation energy demand of energy storage units is derived. Finally, an evaluation method quantifying the regulation enhancement effects of heterogeneous resources and an adaptive region division and linearization (ARDL) algorithm for nonlinear frequency security constraints are proposed to improve computational efficiency. The case study on the modified IEEE HRP-38 system demonstrates that the proposed ARDL method can significantly improve computational efficiency by achieving a more compact linear region. The evaluation method can effectively quantify the enhancement effects in heterogeneous resource regulation. Gas-fired units consistently enhance the regulation amplitude of normal-state, while energy storage resources exhibit significant advantages in enhancing the system’s frequency regulation capability.