Transmission Grid Operators

The Situation

Across the globe, transmission grid operators are seeking to ramp up renewable energy sources while maintaining a resilient and reliable grid and cost-effective operations.

But bottlenecks and barriers in today’s grid operations are hindering progress. One of the biggest challenges is maintaining high inertia and a stable frequency on the renewable grid. Low inertia means grid frequency instability, a system-wide issue that can lead to regional instability.

Inability to access key stability metrics can, at worst, lead to blackouts across the power grid and, at best, make it more expensive to stabilize the grid.

High inertia is necessary for grid stability. Without it, grids experience low-frequency events and run the risk of widespread blackouts.

The Challenge

This video portrays how transmission grid operators across the globe struggle with maintaining high inertial energy reserves and grid frequency stability in their renewable energy transition. Watch to discover the importance of real-time accurate grid inertia measurements and how they enable transmission grid operators to optimize their renewable energy grid.

The Solution

Accurate grid inertia measurements empower transmission grid operators.

Reactive Technologies has developed an innovative solution that provides transmission grid operators the data they need to keep a renewable grid stable. That solution is accurate grid inertia measurements.

Reactive’s GridMetrix® tool gives transmission grid operators a real-time view of inertia and system strength across the grid.

The real-time visibility of critical network conditions will empower transmission grid operators to make key commercial and operational decisions faster, safer, and more cost-effectively.

Accurate grid inertia measurements empower transmission grid operators.

Reactive’s GridMetrix® tool gives transmission grid operators a real-time view of inertia and system strength across the grid.

The real-time visibility of critical network conditions will empower transmission grid operators to make key commercial and operational decisions faster, safer, and more cost-effectively.

Watch this customer testimonial from National Grid ESO

“One of the core things we will need to be able to do is to understand – in real time – what are the inertia levels on the system. That is why this technology is so groundbreaking. Because it enables us to ‘see’ that system state in real time and respond to it. And that allows us to first be able to get more and more renewables on, but at the same time make sure that we are continuing on operating the system in that safe and secure envelope.” Fintan Slye, CEO National Grid ESO (UK)

Accurate Inertia Data

The image below demonstrates three inertia estimation models that provide static and historical views of system stability. However, more information is necessary to run a stable renewable grid and continuous access to accurate grid inertia measurements, from the transmission to demand. This data is needed so that transmission grid operators can safely integrate growing numbers of renewable energy sources while also maintaining a stable system.

Reactive Technologies has developed an innovative solution that provides transmission grid operators with the accurate grid inertia measurements needed to make informed decisions about keeping inertia high and grid frequency stable. Reactive gives transmission grid operators a real-time, accurate view of grid inertia, which grid operators can use to make mission-critical decisions.

Method

Continuous results

Transmission inertia

Distribution inertia

Accurate Power measurement

Enough data to understand inertia patterns

Accurate RoCoF Measurement

Summing inertia across all synchronous generators

✓

N/A

Calculating RoCoF during large frequency excursions

✓

Estimation based on power events throughout the day

✓

Accurate Grid Inertia Measurement

✓

Benefits

Achieve Net Zero Faster

Reactive Technologies’ GridMetrix® provides grid operators with the accurate grid inertia measurements they need to make informed decisions about inertia level and renewable grid frequency stability.

With a stable grid and rapidly scaling up renewables and scaling down fossil fuels, a net zero carbon grid can be achieved faster.

GridMetrix® has proven to be accurate, as validated in the lab, with trials, and with both small and large grids around the world. Read the case studies.

Minimize Risk

By acting on accurate grid inertia measurements, grid operators will no longer be driving blind. Reactive’s tools empower grid operators to respond decisively to events on the grid and make more precise supply and demand forecasts. The real-time data allows grid operators to make key decisions about ramping up renewable energy sources on the grid, minimizing the risks of low inertia and grid frequency instability.

Optimize Processes and Reduce Costs

Grid operators using GridMetrix® and other Reactive tools gain grid insights and leverage grid visibility for maximum cost optimization. Well-informed decisions about energy demand based on real-time data can result in substantial cost savings. Reactive customers are making seven-figure cost savings every year, thanks to the grid visibility gained from Reactive’s one-of-a-kind suite of hardware and software tools.