Virtual Power Plant (VPP)

Virtual power plant (VPP) is relatively a new concept to energy industry. As it is obvious from the name, power plant itself does not exist. Instead it uses the smart grid infrastructure to control distributed power generators. VPP provides us with an opportunity to utilize these small generation units efficiently and effectively lower the load on the power network, especially in peak hours. Locally generated power is utilized and shared locally in VPP which minimizes the need of power transmission over long distances. This results in decreased line losses which are caused due to transmission over long distances. With this concept of VPP, passive energy user will no more be passive rather they would become an active participant in power system but of course, only to a certain extent. VPP is mainly a computer system, controlled by the Distribution System Operator (DSO). To put it simple, the server controls the overall communication, both ways. VPP could be supported by any level of generation, as little as 1 kW capacity in a generator such a PV, FC, CHP etc. Irrespective of generation capacity installed, the important feature of VPP is connecting all the sources together extracting power inmost effective way.

To achieve the UK's target of 80% reduction of CO2 emission by 2050, we have to switch from use of fossil fuels to renewable resources for energy generation. The VPP concept seeks to use real time control and demand side management, generation from smaller units, network and energy storage in order to present what appears to be power plant capability to the grid. This means that although behind the grid connection a number of relatively small stochastic sources and sinks of energy exist inside a micro grid or sub network, from a point of common coupling to the grid the overall entity appears predictable, dispatchable and responsive. This offers commercial, environmental and operational benefits.

The concept of virtual power plant can work independently as well as when they are connected to the grid. But in order to study the applicability of the VPP concept within the existing power supply systems, we need to:

* Make an in depth analysis of some features of power systems in terms of generation and consumption with in different time frames.
* Come up with different control techniques to control the generation and loads in VPP
* Develop the principals for operating virtual power plants under normal and emergency conditions.

Since the concept of Virtual Power Plant is new but has couple of advantages working in its favour, there are still many aspects of this idea which needs to be explored. Hence, pragmatic approach would be best suited for this research.