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Coordinated disturbances haunt grids worldwide. Here’s how researchers solved the mystery

Researchers solved global grid frequency drop mystery by linking it to synchronized battery checks in data centers.

Updated 1 min read

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Key points

  • Researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich identified synchronized battery systems as the cause of global grid frequency drops.
  • Internet-connected uninterruptible power supplies check their charge every minute, creating a collective disturbance across continents.
  • Data from Ireland showed frequency drops quadrupling between 2016 and 2021 as data center usage grew to 18% of the national load.

Why it matters. Understanding this mechanism helps grid operators prevent potential blackouts and equipment damage caused by these regular, synchronized disturbances in power systems worldwide.

Updated Sources: TechCrunch

Researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich identified that synchronized battery systems in data centers cause global grid frequency drops. The team discovered that internet-connected uninterruptible power supplies check their charge every minute, creating a collective disturbance across continents. Data from Ireland showed frequency drops quadrupling between 2016 and 2021 as data center usage grew to 18% of the national load.

Latest updates

Coordinated disturbances haunt grids worldwide. Here’s how researchers solved the mystery

Researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich in Germany identified the cause of coordinated power drops that occurred globally every 60 seconds. Dirk Witthaut, a scientist at the institute, analyzed data from operators like Tennet Germany and found identical patterns across grids in Europe, Australia, the U.S., and Malaysia. These regular frequency sags pose risks because they can damage hydropower turbines or trigger blackouts if grid operators respond incorrectly. The phenomenon has troubled managers for years due to its worldwide synchronization and potential to destabilize power systems.

TechCrunch

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