Controlling the synchronization and payback associated with the provision of frequency services by dynamic demand

An increasing share of nuclear and renewable generation is reducing the ability of the power system to withstand the sudden loss of a generating unit. Hence, there is a need for additional response and reserve services. Previous research has shown that frequency-responsive thermostatic loads would be able to support the system, but the proposed control methods typically suffer from undesirable side-effects at the device or system level. We propose a hybrid controller that addresses the observed shortcomings and illustrate its effectiveness using simulations in a model system. Quantitative comparisons are made with two control schemes from the literature.