The Multi-Point Cooperative Control Strategy for Electrode Boilers Supporting Grid Frequency Regulation

• DOI: 10.3390/pr13030785
• Publication Date: 2025-03-10T13:36:24Z
• Authors: Tao Shi; Chunlei Wang; Zhiqiang Chen

With the large-scale integration of wind power, photovoltaic, and other renewable energy sources into the power grid, their inherent randomness and variability present significant challenges to the frequency stability of power systems. Conventional thermal power units with limited frequency regulation capabilities face further strain, as frequent power fluctuations accelerate wear and tear, thereby shortening their operational lifespans. This makes it increasingly difficult to meet the demands for frequency regulation. Electrode boilers, as flexible electrical loads, can be retrofitted to enhance their flexibility and participate in grid frequency regulation alongside renewable energy units. This not only improves frequency stability but also reduces wear on generating units. However, the frequency regulation process involves balancing multiple objectives, such as maintaining system frequency stability, ensuring economic efficiency, and optimizing operational effectiveness. Traditional control strategies often struggle to address these competing objectives effectively. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a multi-objective collaborative optimization control decision model for electrode boilers to assist in grid frequency regulation. The model not only meets the frequency regulation requirements but also considers additional constraints, including the operational efficiency of electrode boilers, economic benefits, and equipment degradation. A genetic algorithm is employed to solve the model, and simulation analysis is conducted using the IEEE 14-node system. The results demonstrate that this strategy significantly enhances frequency stability, improves boiler operational efficiency, and boosts economic benefits, offering a viable solution for integrating electrode boilers into grid frequency regulation.