Virtual power plants: An answer to increasing distributed generation

In the future an adaptive power system is required to integrate the emerging distributed generation (DG) and renewable energy sources (RES). Since most present power systems are based on active controlled transmission network and passive distribution network, the development of smart grids in the distribution network will facilitate and enhance the growth of DG&RES. To develop smart grids, active control of both distribution network and DG&RES is needed. This research employs the virtual power plant (VPP) concept to develop active control of the present and emerging DG&RES. This paper discusses the impact of DG&RES and highlights the advantages of the VPP concept taking major technical, economical and regulatory aspects in consideration.