Journal Article

FZJ-2018-05781

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Non-Gaussian power grid frequency fluctuations characterized by Lévy-stable laws and superstatistics

Schäfer, B. (Corresponding author) ; Beck, C. ; Aihara, K. ; Witthaut, D.FZJ* ; Timme, M.

2018
Nature Publishing Group London

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Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/19828  doi:10.1038/s41560-017-0058-z

Abstract: Multiple types of fluctuations impact the collective dynamics of power grids and thus challenge their robust operation. Fluctuations result from processes as different as dynamically changing demands, energy trading and an increasing share of renewable power feed-in. Here we analyse principles underlying the dynamics and statistics of power grid frequency fluctuations. Considering frequency time series for a range of power grids, including grids in North America, Japan and Europe, we find a strong deviation from Gaussianity best described as Lévy-stable and q-Gaussian distributions. We present a coarse framework to analytically characterize the impact of arbitrary noise distributions, as well as a superstatistical approach that systematically interprets heavy tails and skewed distributions. We identify energy trading as a substantial contribution to today’s frequency fluctuations and effective damping of the grid as a controlling factor enabling reduction of fluctuation risks, with enhanced effects for small power grids.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Systemforschung und Technologische Entwicklung (IEK-STE)

Research Program(s):

1. 153 - Assessment of Energy Systems – Addressing Issues of Energy Efficiency and Energy Security (POF3-153) (POF3-153)
2. CoNDyNet - Kollektive Nichtlineare Dynamik Komplexer Stromnetze (PIK_082017) (PIK_082017)
3. VH-NG-1025 - Helmholtz Young Investigators Group "Efficiency, Emergence and Economics of future supply networks" (VH-NG-1025_20112014) (VH-NG-1025_20112014)

Appears in the scientific report 2018

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Database coverage:
; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Engineering, Computing and Technology ; IF >= 40 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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