# Researchers link synchronized battery checks to recurring grid disturbances

_Published Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 5:06 PM EST · Infrastructure, Science · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

![Researchers link synchronized battery checks to recurring grid disturbances — Primary](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/electrical-grid-at-night.jpg?resize=1200,800)

Researchers have traced recurring, minute-by-minute grid frequency drops to synchronized battery charge checks, TechCrunch reports. Measurements at Germany's Forschungszentrum Jülich linked the pattern to battery storage systems; internet-connected clocks cause many batteries to check their charge at the same time.

On Ireland's grid, the drops grew from 3 milli-Hertz in 2016 to 12 milli-Hertz in 2021, with some more recent drops exceeding 20 milli-Hertz. Researchers recommend randomizing charge-check schedules in backup power systems and grid-scale batteries. Ireland's grid can withstand swings of plus or minus 200 milli-Hertz, but simultaneous disturbances from other loads could compound the battery effect.

## Sources

- [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2026/11/08/coordinated-disturbances-haunt-grids-worldwide-heres-how-researchers-solved-the-mystery/)

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Canonical: https://techandbusiness.org/newswire/8rRjofvI9rMqoAUnNBEiu1
Published: 2026-11-08T22:06:18.764Z
Story chronology: 2026-11-08T20:30:00.000Z
Retrieved: 2026-11-09T00:13:00.565Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)