Evaluating the applicability of elevators in frequency containment reserves

Abstract

This paper analyzes the potential of applying elevators in power system frequency containment reserves (FCR). As an example, the study employs the Finnish FCR market structure. The markets are split into two segments: frequency containment reserves for normal operation (FCR-N) and for disturbances (FCR-D). Both of the markets have distinct minimum bid sizes and thresholds for the maximum allowed delay for activating the reserves. The paper uses a unique elevator simulator to assess the power consumption profiles of common elevator setups. Then, the elevators are aggregated into a virtual power plant (VPP) and controlled with a variety of approaches to rank the effectiveness of each control method. As a result, the paper estimates the potential contribution of elevators to a VPP-provided service as well as the adverse impact on traffic performance f or different elevator types in hourly granularity for weekdays and weekends.