Outram Research PM7500DF’s Fast Frequency Measurement for Dynamic Containment

Outram Research Ltd manufactures and supplies high-quality Power Quality Analysers and monitoring equipment to help you fulfil the National Grid ESO’s Dynamic Containment criteria.

Find out all you need to know about how our high-quality, multifunctional analysers work in helping providers – both existing and new – achieve Dynamic Containment Provision.

Dynamic Containment is a frequency response scheme that has been launched by the National Grid ESO. The scheme was introduced to combat the reduction in stability of the electricity system, using energy storage assets on the network along with high-calibre power quality measurement devices to implement this requirement.

These fast-acting frequency response products are necessary since the network is finding it harder to keep standard mains frequency at the required 50Hz. As it stands, the National Grid has an obligation to control that frequency within ±1% of 50Hz, meaning it should never dip below 49.5Hz nor should it surpass 50.5Hz. Furthermore, recently, the grid has been experiencing decreasing levels of inertia, and consequently, larger losses.

The Dynamic Containment provision is the first of several end-state services to help deliver a faster-acting response, deployed ‘post-fault’ (i.e. after a significant frequency deviation). The National Grid plans to deliver more similar services (including Dynamic Moderation, Dynamic Regulation and so on) to support the network as the electricity system becomes more decarbonised and the UK moves towards national net-zero targets.

System frequency is a continually changing variable determined in real-time between system demand and generation. If the demand is bigger than the generation, the frequency falls, whereas if the generation is bigger than the demand, the frequency rises.

Providers have to submit their baseline (i.e., the expected output) at specified times via their operational metering method. Providers must show they have systems that can react quickly enough to stabilise the frequency in the event of a fault. They must also prove that the incumbent system they have is capable of responding via a backup should the frequency drop below a certain level. The National Grid requests hourly log files to be submitted in real-time to ensure providers are fulfilling these obligations.

While delivering this Dynamic Containment Service, providers must submit ongoing, gapless and synchronous data packets of all relevant power and fast frequency measurements every hour to fulfil the National Grid’s requirement to prove that they are capable of responding as per the Dynamic Containment agreement.

Outram Research designs and manufactures the rack mounted PM7500DF (Dual Frequency) substation Power Quality Analyser. This analyser not only facilitates the submission of these hourly log files with their fast frequency measurements to 0.001Hz resolution delivered over TCP-IP, but it can also be used to trigger the feed-back loop mechanism prompting the battery storage reaction in case of relevant frequency changes.

Outram Research’s power quality analyser measures the frequency to the required accuracy and resolution compliant with the National Grid’s expectations. This analyser can therefore facilitate you, as a provider, to fulfil your Dynamic Containment obligations.

Power quality monitoring equipment will need to be integrated within your existing systems and proprietary methods of data delivery. Outram Research can not only supply the measurement products most fit for purpose, but our experienced team can be on hand to support those concerned with aggregation and consolidation of the required data before it is uploaded to the National Grid’s database.

The PM7500DF is resilient, hardwearing and capable of withstanding temperatures from -20 to +60°C. If you want a reliable product that delivers accurate and timely data you can send to the National Grid as evidence to receive your financial rewards, look no further than Outram Research’s PM7500.

As part of the Dynamic Containment process, the power sources used to stabilise the frequency, predominantly Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), have to be triggered to react in an appropriate time scale. This needs to be done when the frequency falls or rises below or above the specified thresholds.

As well as providing accurate frequency measurements for system validation, when configured appropriately, the unit can deliver that fast frequency measurement over MODBUS within 270ms, an output which can then be used in the feedback loop to stimulate the required action from a battery storage asset within National Grid’s required time frame.

We can facilitate your Dynamic Containment compliance in both system delivery and system validation

• Seamless hourly data download capabilities, including Fast Frequency Measurement to 0.001Hz resolution, available over TCP-IP.
• Fast Frequency Measurement to 0.001Hz resolution available over MODBUS in no more than 270ms.
• Bespoke data logs with customisable parameters set by the provider.
• Analyser works autonomously, reducing the need for manual supervision and input, improving productivity.
• Helps providers remain compliant with multiple schemes and reap financial rewards with complete peace of mind.
• Highly accurate measurement of the frequency to 0.001Hz resolution on V4, along with other highly desirable recorded parameters
• Helps the end customer improve overall grid reliability and safety, while minimising interruptions in power.

For a complete list of PM7500 product features and specifications, click here.

At Outram Research we have more than 30 years of experience designing and manufacturing power quality analysers and fault-level monitoring equipment.

Our experienced and friendly team understands the technical requirements to meet Dynamic Containment and can help you to choose the most effective solution for your infrastructure.

If you would like to learn more or get a quote for the measurement equipment required, please contact the team at Outram today.