Abstract
This paper presents the implementation of a custom-made virtual power plant model in OpenDSS. The goal is to develop a model adequate for time-driven power flow calculations in distribution systems. The virtual power plant is modeled as the aggregation of renewable generation and energy storage connected to the distribution system through an inverter. The implemented operation mode allows the virtual power plant to act as a single dispatchable generation unit. The case studies presented in the paper demonstrate that the model behaves according to the specified control algorithm and show how it can be incorporated into the solution scheme of a general parallel genetic algorithm in order to obtain the optimal day-ahead dispatch. Simulation results exhibit a clear benefit from the deployment of a virtual power plant when compared to distributed generation based only on renewable intermittent generation.
Highlights
The increasing penetration of renewable generation has been motivated by the necessity of reducing the current dependence on non-renewable energy sources
This paper presents the implementation of a custom-made virtual power plant model in OpenDSS
This paper has presented a virtual power plant model for power flow calculations
Summary
The increasing penetration of renewable generation has been motivated by the necessity of reducing the current dependence on non-renewable energy sources. Solar and wind power systems are two of the most widespread forms of electricity generation based on renewable energy resources. DG can be used for supporting voltage, reducing losses, providing backup power and ancillary services, or deferring distribution system upgrade [1,2,3]. The intermittent nature of some renewable resources (e.g. solar and wind) complicates their integration into the grid as they cannot be properly dispatched. Renewable generation is permitted to produce as much power as the resource availability allows; this approach limits the integration of renewable DG since unacceptable operating conditions may appear under large penetration scenarios (e.g. system voltages above accepted limits)
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