17.10.2024

At Fusebox, we’re excited to announce the dynamic evolution of our existing functionality within our Virtual Power Plant (VPP) platform. Our enhanced FCR-D up and down capability now applies seamlessly to PV panels through inverters, allowing our platform to dynamically calculate and dispatch the required DIF (power change) values directly to the controller. With this advancement, PV park owners in the Nordic ancillary services market can engage more actively, enjoying increased flexibility and functionality without the need for additional battery storage.

Efficient Setpoint Calculation for PV Assets

This new feature lets us factor in current weather conditions and power output, allowing precise setpoint adjustments to connect your PV park smoothly to the FCR-D service for optimal performance and flexibility.

We developed a model using a ~1.4MW PV unit in our test environment to visualize this control mechanism. Just before the FCR-D event, this PV was generating around 1.3MW. This baseline calculates precise setpoints, ensuring optimized performance during frequency regulation events.

Direct FCR-D Support for PV Parks

Fusebox can now offer FCR-D support directly to PV panels in the Nordic countries. By connecting our controller to PV inverters, we enable PV park owners to adjust output levels based on FCR-D signals from the local TSO. This development allows PV parks to participate directly in the ancillary market without needing additional battery storage – a significant cost-saving advantage.

Rigorously tested and proven: our new FCR-D functionality passed all real-life asset tests with flying colours

Understanding FCR-D Activation

As illustrated in the accompanying graph, FCR-D control activates when the grid frequency deviates by ±0.1 Hz from the nominal 50 Hz (i.e., at 49.9 Hz or 50.1 Hz). The product is divided into two symmetrical components:

  • FCR-D Up (50.1 to 50.5 Hz): Upregulation product where power plants increase production, and loads reduce consumption.
  • FCR-D Down (49.9 to 49.5 Hz): Downregulation product where power plants decrease production, and loads increase consumption.

Our VPP system calculates setpoints as a difference between the necessary activation quantity and the meter value just before the FCR-D event.

Key Technical Details

  • Activation Speed: 86% in 7.5 seconds
  • Market Structure: Hourly market with capacity payment based on availability
  • Typical Price Levels in Finland:
    • FCR-D Up: Around 19.63 €/MW/h in hourly markets (2024 YtD), and ranges from a few to dozens of euros/MW/h in the hourly market
    • FCR-D Down: Around 16.86 €/MW/h in hourly markets (2024 YtD), and similarly ranges in the hourly market
  • Minimum Bid Size: 1 MW

Unlocking New Opportunities for PV Assets

With FCR-D integration in the Nordics, PV assets can now join frequency regulation, opening up new revenue streams and boosting flexibility. Fusebox’s solution provides automatic, local frequency control, making it an easy, efficient addition to PV parks.

This update highlights our commitment to innovative, cost-effective solutions that help integrate renewables into the grid. Stay tuned as we keep enhancing our VPP platform.