Optimal power scheduling in a Virtual Power Plant

This paper proposes a novel approach where the Energy Management System of a Virtual Power Plant decides the optimal power scheduling not on the basis of some predefined policies, but upon the solution of an optimisation problem. The scheduling decision is dynamic as it depends on variable factors, not fully predictable, such as renewable sources availability, electrical energy price, controllable and uncontrollable loads demand and possibility of storing or releasing stored energy. The optimal solution is computed according to a novel cost function that explicitly takes into account only direct costs. Theoretical findings and expectations are proved through simulations of a realistic scenario.