Smart energy aggregation network (SEAN): An advanced management system for using distributed energy resources in virtual power plant applications

Abstract

Expanding distributed generation systems, advancing energy storage options and innovative approaches in the area of demand management open new doors in grid operation. Grid-responsive devices can be considered as Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and used to form Virtual Power Plants (VPPs). Because the aim is to benefit from many assets that have individual primary tasks and operational constraints, advanced planning and management approaches are needed. In this study SEAN, an advanced management system that can be used for coordinating huge number of DERs in VPP applications is proposed. The designed system is aimed to meet supply/demand mismatches, benefiting from various types of storage systems and controllable loads. As a response to an event happening on the grid, both pre-planned and real-time scheduling and coordination tasks are aimed to be handled. During the coordination process, calculations and control actions are tried to be kept as minimal as possible for effective operation.