Grid Balancing
FCR is an essential service in the power grid designed to maintain system stability by automatically responding to frequency deviations. It acts as the first line of defense when the balance between electricity supply and demand is disturbed, such as during a sudden loss of power generation or a spike in demand.
What Makes FCR Different?
Frequency Containment Reserve (FCR) is crucial for maintaining grid stability, requiring precise and rapid response capabilities. Unlike other applications that may focus on energy optimization or integration, FCR demands highly specialized technology and intricate algorithms to keep the grid balanced in real-time. The complexity involved in managing FCR can be daunting, but this is where we excel.
Our Ready-to-Use FCR Solution
At FFD Power, we simplify the complexity of Frequency Containment Reserve (FCR) by delivering a fully integrated, turnkey solution designed for fast deployment and reliable grid response.
Our FCR solution combines:
PowerSync EMS – our advanced energy management system for real-time control and optimization
SCADA Configuration – customized to interface with Kehua’s PCS and external grid systems
Kehua Power Conversion System (PCS) – grid-proven, high-speed response performance
FFD BESS – a parallel communication architecture over TCP/IP, enabling fast and accurate communication with the TSO’s EMS
This architecture ensures sub-second response times and precise frequency regulation, meeting the strictest FCR technical requirements.
In addition to the hardware and controls, we provide:
Pre-installed system software
Full engineering documentation
Detailed project BOM
Layout design and connection drawings
Preconfigured settings for FCR compliance
This ready-to-deploy solution allows our partners to implement FCR with ease and confidence, saving time and reducing commissioning risks.
FFD Power’s FCR package is designed to:
Meet all relevant grid codes
Support critical grid stability functions
Ensure seamless integration into complex grid environments
Frequency Ranges
47.5 Hz – 49.0 Hz: Operable for more than 30 minutes. In this low-frequency range, the system can continuously provide active power support to prevent further frequency decline and allow time for system recovery.
49.0 Hz – 51.0 Hz: Unlimited operation. This is the normal grid frequency range, where the system can continuously provide frequency regulation services to maintain stability.
51.0 Hz – 51.5 Hz: Operable for more than 30 minutes. In this high-frequency range, the system absorbs excess active power to prevent over-frequency and buffer the grid.
Resistance to Rate of Change of Frequency (RoCoF)
The FFDPOWER BESS can maintain grid-connected operation while withstanding a RoCoF of up to 1.7 Hz/s. This tolerance allows the system to respond to sudden large generator trips or abrupt load changes, preventing disconnection and enhancing grid resilience during severe frequency fluctuations.
Limited Frequency Sensitivity Mode – High Frequency (LFSM-O)
Active Power Regulation: When frequency deviates outside the insensitivity range (50.2–50.5 Hz), the BESS provides active power regulation, ensuring dynamic control only occurs outside minor fluctuation ranges.
Configurable Droop Settings: Active power droop settings are adjustable from 0.1% to 12% via the EMS, enabling flexible response for various grid conditions.
Fast Response Time: The inverter responds in less than 500 milliseconds, providing rapid and reliable grid support during over-frequency events.
LFSM-O Operation: The system adjusts output or absorption based on frequency. It reduces power during over-frequency and increases absorption until full charge, maintaining stable operation while switching flexibly between modes.
Energy Management: The BESS absorbs energy until full capacity is reached, preventing overcharging. TSOs may specify continued absorption during high-frequency events.
Transition Management: Different droop settings and smooth transitions ensure stable power balance during shifts between absorption and release modes.
Limited Frequency Sensitivity Mode – Low Frequency (LFSM-U)
Active Power Regulation: The BESS responds to under-frequency events outside the configurable insensitivity range (49.8–49.5 Hz), providing precise control for grid stability.
Configurable Droop Settings: Droop settings are adjustable from 0.1% to 12%, ensuring compliance with grid requirements.
Fast Response Time: The system reacts within 500 milliseconds, preventing cascading failures and stabilizing the grid.
LFSM-U Operation: The BESS absorbs power during frequency recovery and transitions to discharge mode as needed. It increases output during falling frequency to stabilize the grid.
Energy Management: Discharge continues until full depletion, with TSO options for prolonged support.
Mode Transitions and Capacity Limits: The BESS manages smooth transitions and adheres to energy capacity limits, ensuring safe operation.
Automatic Disconnection: If the system cannot discharge before UFLS activation at 49 Hz, it disconnects to prevent further instability.
Standardized Primary Frequency Regulation (FSM)
Active Power Response: The BESS adjusts output per TSO parameters, with zero deadband or standard settings to ensure immediate response to frequency changes.
Response Parameters: Minimum variation is 10% of rated power, with adjustable deadband (0–200 mHz) and droop (0.1–12%).
Power Regulation: Reduces output during frequency rise and increases output during drop, efficiently managing power flow and grid stability.
Frequency Ramps & Sudden Shifts: The system adapts to rapid changes, maintaining stability and avoiding fluctuations.
Response Timing: Initial reaction is <500 ms, with full adjustment completed in 30 seconds.
aFRR Capability: Supports continuous active power adjustments for Automatic Frequency Restoration Reserve, restoring energy capacity within 2 hours while maintaining regulation during emergencies.
Remote Control & Active Power Management
Remote On/Off: The EMS allows operators to start or stop the BESS remotely. Active power stops within 5 seconds of command.
Active Power Adjustment: Output can be modified within 10 seconds after receiving commands, supporting flexible EMS control.
Regulation: Both remote and manual adjustments are supported. Participation in FCR ensures compliance with TSO-defined activation times, sustained output for at least 60 minutes, and precise setpoint maintenance.
Measurement & Transmission: Key parameters are measured at ≤1-second resolution and transmitted in real time for monitoring.
Automatic Connection & Reconnection
Automatic Reconnection: The BESS reconnects when frequency is 49.9–50.1 Hz and voltage is 0.9–1.1 pu. A minimum 60-second delay ensures stable resynchronization.
Ramp Rate Control: Active power increase is limited to ≤20% of Pmax per minute. Alternative reconnection conditions can be configured with TSO/DSO agreements.
Artificial Inertia
Virtual Inertia Function: The BESS emulates synchronous generator inertia via inverter technology, stabilizing grids with high renewable penetration.
Control System: Configurable per TSO, ensuring effective and fast virtual inertia contribution.
Parallel Operation: Supports grid stability during rapid frequency deviations with preset levels.
Resistance to Short Circuit
Fault Ride-Through (FRT): LVRT and HVRT capabilities allow the system to stay connected during voltage sags or current surges.
Fault Current Contribution: EMS limits fault current to safe ranges, protecting both grid and system.
Fast Protection & Recovery: Rapid fault detection and protection ensure smooth resumption of normal operation after fault clearance, maintaining continuous power supply.
Parameter Compliance: Voltage sag depth, duration, and current limits follow local grid codes and TSO requirements.
Recommended Products
Case Presentation
Finland 27.5MW/55MWh Grid-side Peak Shaving And Frequency Regulation Project
Located in Finland, this project involves the deployment of a 2.5MW/5MWh grid-side energy storage system, designed to provide peak shaving and Frequency Containment Reserve (FCR) services. The system operates in an extreme cold climate, with winter temperatures dropping as low as -35°C, posing significant technical and operational challenges.
The project adopts a modular deployment strategy. With Phase I successfully completed and commissioned, Phase II is currently under construction, adding 10 additional units of the same specification. Once completed, the full system will reach a total capacity of 27.5MW/55MWh, forming a large-scale grid-side energy storage power station that enhances grid flexibility and resilience.
Core Application: Frequency Containment Reserve (FCR)
Unlike traditional energy-shifting applications, FCR demands precise real-time response capabilities and sophisticated control algorithms. This project integrates a high-performance control system optimized for FCR participation in the Nordic balancing market:
Millisecond-level dynamic response to stabilize frequency deviations
Multi-layer embedded dispatch algorithms ensuring accuracy and reliability
Hybrid architecture combining edge computing and centralized control for intelligent adaptation
Engineering for Extreme Cold
The system is specifically engineered for continuous operation in sub-zero Arctic conditions, with the following adaptations:
Battery thermal management systems with integrated heating and insulation to maintain cell performance and safety
Industrial-grade power electronics selected to operate reliably below -35°C
System-wide low-temperature validation ensures year-round operational stability
Project Significance
As a flagship project in Northern Europe combining FCR and peak shaving, this installation demonstrates the technical feasibility and commercial value of energy storage in cold climate regions. It also serves as a replicable reference for future grid-side storage projects participating in ancillary service markets across Europe.
