Investigation and modelling of fast frequency phenomena

The aim of the F2P- Investigation and modelling of fast frequency phenomena - project is to accurately observe and consequently predict frequency fluctuations at an operational level across the GB power system.

Our research will increase insight into fast frequency phenomena on the GB power grid through analysis and visualisation, and through the development of modelling techniques. The project will make recommendations on data, models and processes for managing power system inertia, that will enable and support both the current and future large-scale integration of renewable energy sources into the GB power system in an operationally secure and economic manner. It will also shape future innovation strategy and R&D programmes at both NG and the Smart Power Networks theme at Brunel University London, and establish pathways for greater knowledge transfer between NG as the industry partner and Brunel as the academic partner in both research and teaching.

The following main objectives will be achieved:

1. Gather PMU data for GB power system incidents of interest.
2. Develop a visualisation approach for overlaying such gathered data on the GB power system.
3. Explore the variation of frequency phenomena with power system location and characteristics.
4. Explore and evaluate whether existing power system modelling software can comprehensively explain the observed phenomena. Make recommendations as appropriate for any improvements to National Grid’s data, models or processes.
5. Implement a range of models, from simple test models up to the full GB system.
6. Demonstrate simulation of actual incidents, validating results at the PMU level.

Project duration

Phase 1 - 1st May 2018 to 30th April 201

Phase 2 - 1st May 2019 to 31st Oct 2020

Meet the Principal Investigator(s) for the project

Professor Gareth Taylor - Prof Gareth Taylor - Professor of Power Systems Director of BIPS Research Centre - Brunel Interdisciplinary Power Systems Module Leader - MSc Sustainable Electrical Power Gareth joined Brunel in May 2000 from the University of Greenwich in London. He was appointed as a National Grid Post-doctoral Scholar from 2000-2003 and joined Electronic and Computer Engineering, School of Engineering and Design as a lecturer in June 2003. He established the new MSc Sustainable Electrical Power as the Course Director in September 2006. He has been a research active member of the Brunel University Research Centre BIPS since May 2000 and was appointed as Director in 2010. He was appointed as a Professor in Power Systems in 2012 and as the Head of the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering from May 2019 to June 2023. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and is a Fellow of the IET. He is also a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. From 2016-22 he was also the elected UK Regular Member for CIGRE Study Committee D2 Information Systems and Telecommunication. In 2023 he was also appointed as a member of the Strategic Advisory Group (SAG) for the CIGRE Study Committee D2.He was also appointed as a Visiting Professor within the Control & Power Research Group, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London from 1st October 2023 to 30th September 2026.

Related Research Group(s)

Brunel Interdisciplinary Power Systems - Power systems analysis for transmission and distribution networks, smart grids; congestion monitoring in transmission networks; simulation and analysis of new energy markets; optimisation of the design and operation of electrical networks; condition monitoring of power station and power system plant; energy-efficient designs for underground electric power cables.

Project last modified 21/11/2023