In actuality, the power fluctuation during the nine minute period on April 5, 2020, was 31 GW which is almost twice that of the initial predicted fluctuation in load
Following up on the announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on April 5, 2020, the entire nation switched off its lights at 9:00 pm, in solidarity with the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Instead of electric lights, citizens were encouraged to light lamps or flash torchlights at the entrances of their homes during this period. This meant a huge fluctuation in load for a ten minute duration across the country and a mammoth task for Power System Operation Corporation (POSOCO), which is India’s National Load Despatch Center (NLDC). Regional and state level load despatch centers also had a task at hand.
According to POSOCO, the accuracy of daily demand predictions is of utmost importance due to inadequacy of energy storage systems and necessity to maintain grid’s voltage stability by maintaining a frequency range of 48.5 to 51.5 Hz (hertz). As per a hypothetical analysis by industry experts, the power demand, during the 9:00 pm to 9:09 pm lights out, was estimated to decrease by 10,000 to 12,000 MW (10 to 12 GW). The plan was to use hydro and gas sources to ramp down power from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, followed by a ramp up after 9:09 pm, when the exercise ended.
In actuality, the power fluctuation during the nine minute period on April 5, 2020, was 31 GW. This is almost twice that of the initial predicted fluctuation in load.
“The national grid operator POSOCO and the national, regional and state load despatch centres did a great job with support from all generators; NHPC, NEEPCO, THDC, SJVNL, BBMB, NTPC, all state gencos and IPPs, Transco’s and Distribution companies even when the fluctuation was 31GW, more than twice of the 13GW as estimated by Power System Operation Corporation Ltd (POSOCO). On April 5th at 9 PM for 9 Minutes, The Voltage raised up to 245 Volt and the Frequency to 50.25Hz but they maintained it stable at that level who are the unsung warriors kept the National Grid safe from high voltage surge, tripping the lines and unwanted extended power outage,”said Gokul Srinivas, founder of Minion Labs.
The demand went down from 17300 MW at 8.49PM to 85300 MW toll 9:09 PM; that is a reduction of 32000 MW. Then it started increasing. Frequency was maintained within a band of 49.7 Hz to 50.26 Hz, which means the voltage was kept stable. The national grid operator POSOCO and the national, regional and state load despatch centres did a great job with support from all generators ; NHPC,NEEPCO,THDC,SJVNL,BBMB,NTPC , all state gencos and IPPs, Transcos and distribution companies and their officers and staff ” said R.K.Singh ,Minister of State of the Ministry of New and Renewable energy (MNRE).
From 8:45 t0 9:10 pm, a reduction of power generated from hydro, thermal and gas power plants was maintained and electricity was gradually ramped back up post 9:10 pm at the end of the ambitious nationwide program. In this way, POSCOCO, gencos, Load Despatch Centers (LDC), power utility companies, transmission centers, and other entities united in handling the large scale power fluctuations efficiently and smoothly. This was a display of skill and efficiency of power sector, giving the country hope in the ongoing fight against the COVID-19 outbreak.
Minion Labs is a power sector startup in India that helps businesses to reduce their electricity costs and improve their productivity by providing real-time device level electricity consumption insights using a smart energy device delivered through its Analytical platform.
Image Courtesy : WAY2WORLD
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