Virtual energy storage power plant

What is a virtual power plant?

A virtual power plant is a system of distributed energy resources—like rooftop solar panels, electric vehicle chargers, and smart water heaters—that work together to balance energy supply and demand on a large scale. They are usually run by local utility companies who oversee this balancing act.

Does a hybrid storage-wind virtual power plant participate in the electricity markets?

Alahyari A, Ehsan M, Mousavizadeh M (2019) A hybrid storage-wind virtual power plant (VPP) participation in the electricity markets: a self-scheduling optimization considering price, renewable generation, and electric vehicles uncertainties.

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.

Why is virtual power plant management important?

Thus, it has become increasingly important to enhance management capabilities regarding the aggregation of distributed electricity production and demand through different types of virtual power plants (VPPs). It is also important to exploit their ability to participate in electricity markets to maximize operating profits.

Why are virtual power plants more resilient than centralized generating stations?

Virtual power plants are more resilient against service outages than large, centralized generating stations because they distribute energy resources across large areas. Virtual power plants aren’t new. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that there are already 30 to 60 gigawatts of them in operation today.

Could virtual power plants reshape electric power?

Virtual power plants could help reshape electric power into an industry that’s more nimble, efficient and responsive to changing conditions and customers’ needs. Some power plants don’t have massive smokestacks or cooling towers – or even a central site.