E/Scal HV

Questions & Answers

• How does the FCR-D support service work?

  FCR-D (Frequency Containment Reserve) is a type of ancillary service used to regulate and balance the frequency in the electricity grid by acting as a fast reacting load such as a battery storage. FCR-D is used to manage a sudden over or under generation of electricity in the system, which can cause a change in frequency above the allowed range.

  To explain how FCR-D works, let’s take an example: if there is an excess production of electricity in the grid due to faster rotation speed of the generators than demanded by the consumers, the frequency will increase above the normal level. To reduce the frequency quickly, a fast-reacting load is needed that can absorb the energy. The same thing happens in reverse if we take more energy out of the grid than we have in production, then the frequency drops. For example, a battery storage system can help by discharging or recharging.

  It is important that the FCR-D consumer is ready to react quickly to the signals in order to quickly stabilize the frequency in the grid. This type of ancillary service is used to quickly regulate and balance the frequency to avoid disturbances and problems in the grid and to keep the frequency within the allowed range.

  summary-requirement-picture-for-reserves-december-2022-sweden

• How does the FFR support service work?

  FFR (Frequency Fast Reserve) is a support service used to quickly manage frequency deviations in the grid faster than FCR-D. It aims to stabilize the frequency when there is an imbalance between electricity production and consumption. The FFR is designed to act as a fast reacting power source such as a battery storage and is available to adjust the frequency within 0.7-1.3 seconds after a deviation has occurred.

  To explain how FFR works, let’s take an example: If there is a sudden increase in electricity consumption or a decrease in electricity production in the grid, the frequency will drop. To restore the frequency to the normal range quickly, a fast-acting power source is needed.

  summary-requirement-picture-for-reserves-december-2022-sweden

• What does BESS stand for?

  The name BESS stands for “Battery Energy Storage System” but can also be referred to as ESS. It consists of batteries for energy storage and can be used for ancillary services, arbitrage trading, peak-shaving, etc.

• Do I need to change the battery charger when switching from lead-acid battery to Lithium battery?

  Yes, unless your old charger can charge LiFePO4 batteries. The charge cycle for lead-acid and LiFePO4 is different. Check the manual for your old charger to ensure that LiFePO4 charging is included.