For wind turbines, solar, and batteries, the frequency stability is doable through controlling frequency from inverters.
replySome wind turbines are also internally a hybrid design that can dynamically adjust the frequency difference angle both for minimal losses in production, but also to provide frequency shifting and even artificial demand (i.e. essentially using wind power as brake)
The inertia provided by synchronous generators was in essence a natural benefit to the grid that we never appreciated previously. But now with more renewables it’s now something we have to consider and design for. Running a grid on 100% non synchronous requires a bit more effort!
replyRunning the grid requires a lot of effort, period!
replyIt almost sounds like running a large motor/generator with a large flywheel on it, just for the purposes of frequency stabilization and flattening load spikes, may be a good idea in a large solar installation. The downside is the mass and the bulk, and the cost of copper. The upside is zero reaction time.
replyIt is in fact a thing: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flywheel_storage_power_syste...
replyI believe (but I am 0% expert) these are mostly but not exclusively used for adding inertia to the system, rather than real energy storage.
Close, but you're looking for: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synchronous_condenser
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