Integrid - Bridging the Gap

25 Virtual Power Plant Platform Concept A virtual power plant (VPP) aggregates and manages distributed energy resources (DER) of different types in a pool to provide different services to markets or network operators. DER flexibility is managed in a technologically agnostic manner: generators, consumers, prosumers, and storage units can be aggregated into the same pool and contribute with positive or negative flexibility. cyberGRID implemented two types of VPPs in the demos in Slovenia and Portugal. The commercial VPP aims to earn revenue from participation in ancillary service markets operated by the TSO. The DSO has the right to restrict the use of flexibilities by means of a traffic light system if the distribution network were to get close to operational limits. The commercial VPP optimizes the use of DER under consideration of the DSO’s restrictions in day-ahead bidding as well as in real-time energy activations. In contrast, the technical VPP manages and controls DER for the purpose of flexibility provision to the DSO. The DSO considers the regionalized flexibility forecasts of the technical VPP as a last resort measure in operational planning and can order flexibility from the technical VPP to support network operation and avoid critical situations. Software The cyberGRID VPP has a modular design. Each functional module is implemented as an independent micro-service embedded in a supporting and monitoring framework, providing high-level reliability and scalability of the entire software solution. The VPP solution covers all essential functionalities of an aggregation business, such as forecasting, bid generation, real-time control of DER, monitoring and reporting. Communication with human users and corresponding ICT systems are enabled by user interfaces for multiple tenants with different roles, and state-of-the-art communication protocols and APIs for machine-to-machine communication. Innovative features: • New map tools and widgets for visualization of distributed flexibilities • Support for a network operator traffic light system • New functions to support stationary batteries and EV charging stations • Support for mFRR activation schedules and improved real-time control Final TRL: 8