Can virtual power plants improve grid stability and reliability?

Virtual power plants (VPPs), integrating multiple distributed energy resources, offer a promising solution for enhancing grid stability and reliability . However, challenges persist in effectively managing the variability of renewable energy generation and ensuring grid stability . Existing research highlights several critical shortcomings:

What is a virtual power plant?

The proposed virtual power plant integrates photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbine (WT) systems into a microgrid topology, facilitating efficient energy management across generation, storage, distribution, and consumption components. Communication systems enable real-time monitoring and control for optimal system operation.

What challenges do virtual power plants face?

The transition to renewable energy sources and distributed energy generation (DG) has spurred the global evolution of energy production methods. However, virtual power plants (VPPs) face challenges due to fluctuations in renewable energy sources (RES) production, such as those from photovoltaics and wind turbines.

Why is China developing virtual power plants?

JINAN, April 8 -- China is developing virtual power plants to achieve energy savings and promote the transition to greener energy.

What is a virtual power plant (VPP)?

The “virtual” nature of VPPs comes from its lack of a central physical facility, like a traditional coal or gas plant. By generating electricity and balancing the energy load, the aggregated batteries and solar panels provide many of the functions of conventional power plants. They also have unique advantages.

What is a virtual power facility?

These virtual facilities act as "invisible" power facilities, bringing together various electricity users, distributed power sources, and energy storage providers through coordination to ensure a balance between power generation and consumption.