Frequency regulation in a hybrid renewable power grid: an effective strategy utilizing load frequency control and redox flow batteries

Abstract Renewable energy sources (RESs) have become integral components of power grids, yet their integration presents challenges such as system inertia losses and mismatches between load demand and generation capacity. These issues jeopardize grid stability. To address this, an effective approach is proposed, combining enhanced load frequency control (LFC) (i.e., fuzzy PID- T $${I}^{\lambda }{D}^{\mu }$$ I λ D μ ) with controlled energy storage systems, specifically controlled redox flow batteries (CRFBs), to mitigate uncertainties arising from RES integration. The optimization of this strategy's parameters is achieved using the crayfish optimization algorithm (COA), known for its global optimization capabilities and balance between exploration and exploitation. Performance evaluation against conventional controllers (PID, FO-PID, FO-(PD-PI)) confirms the superiority of the proposed approach in LFC. Extensive testing under various load disturbances, high renewables penetration, and communication delays ensures its effectiveness in minimizing disruptions. Validation using a standardized IEEE 39-bus system further demonstrates its efficiency in power networks grappling with significant renewables penetration. In summary, this integrated strategy presents a robust solution for modern power systems adapting to increasing renewable energy utilization.