Freezers in Residential Buildings as a Source of Power Grid Frequency Regulation in Response to the Demand for Innovation Within the Smart City Concept: Thermal-Electric Modeling, Technical Potential and Operational Challenges

Abstract

This study assesses the technical feasibility of utilizing aggregated domestic freezers in Turkey as a distributed resource for frequency regulation. A dynamic thermal-electrical model was developed to simulate freezer responses under frequency deviation scenarios representative of real-world grid conditions. The modeled sample of 100,000 deep freezers (80 W each) can deliver approximately 3.2 MW of instantaneous down-regulation under a 40% initial duty cycle. Extrapolating to the estimated 4.7 million eligible freezers nationwide yields a total potential headroom of roughly 150-225 MW, depending on duty-cycle assumptions. The compressor duty cycle and allowable temperature range were identified as key factors influencing both regulation capacity and endurance. Although linear reference temperature control enabled effective participation in FCR-N within the simulated timeframes, it also led to cycle synchronization and peak loads following disturbances. Implementing strategies such as randomized reconnection delays could mitigate these effects. The wide availability of domestic freezers, minimal consumer impact, and broad geographic distribution suggest that this resource represents a promising complement to existing frequency regulation assets, particularly in enhancing grid stability amid increasing renewable energy penetration.