Researchers identify synchronized 60-second battery checks causing grid frequency drops

Researchers have discovered that synchronized minute-by-minute state-of-charge checks by internet-connected stationary batteries, including data center uninterruptible power supplies, are causing coordinated frequency drops on power grids worldwide. Led by Dirk Witthaut at Forschungszentrum Jülich, the team found that these periodic power draws align into a cumulative disruption that affects grids from Europe to Australia. To prevent potential grid instability, the researchers recommend that manufacturers add randomization to battery and IoT device check schedules. Open article →