Demand response |
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ago . It has , however , become increasingly important for a number of reasons .
Margins are tight , older coal power stations are coming off the system , new plant build has been delayed and the contribution of varying renewable resources is increasing . This reduces inertia , which in turn increases the risk of system failures and blackouts . This is why National Grid is looking for more flexible capacity from business energy users who can turn systems off and on as required . That ’ s another reason for critical power users to get involved in grid services – they ’ re keeping their own lights on .
Our capacity comes from a connected grid of companies , who use our fully automated system to either reduce electricity use or operate small , on site generators , whenever the national electricity system is under stress .
This resource is now recognised as integral to the future of the Grid , as it means we can provide extra capacity and help keep the lights on when demand for electricity is at its greatest .
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When implemented correctly , demand response has the potential to double as a best-practice asset test and exercise regime . |
Getting it right on site
Implementing demand response systems and contracts can take time and consideration .
When first engaging in demand response , customers need both realism and persistence . They also need to spend time finding the right aggregation partner by being ready to ask difficult questions . Track record , experience of working with similar customers , and how the core business operations of participating sites are protected are key considerations .
Data centres are rightly cautious of proposals coming from outside their core area , so as an aggregator we need to spend time getting to know a business and understanding their infrastructure before a proposition can go forward . There is an essential due diligence process for every site .
As part of this appraisal we need to ensure that the defensive engineering in place to ensure all demand response participation is respectful of the customer ’ s core
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business . The customer always retains ultimate control anyway , as we always ensure that every one of our partner sites has a lockout mechanism so that they have the choice not to participate on any particular day , whatever the reason .
We also have to set out exactly how a site is going to measure and respond to mains frequency changes . There ’ s a lot of confusion in this area which we have to work hard to dispel . All DRUPS systems already measure frequency , so it might seem easiest to simply use that . But proving those internal systems to National Grid ’ s standards can actually be quite invasive . That ’ s why we prefer to keep our gear outside the box , leaving the critical DRUPS perimeter undisturbed .
Ultimately , when it comes to delivering megawatts and generating revenue for customers , slow and steady wins the race . By doing the groundwork and getting it right from the start , we can ensure that everyone wins .
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34 | March 2017 |