A conceptual review on transformation of micro-grid to virtual power plant: Issues, modeling, solutions, and future prospects

Enhancing the balance between demand and generation with smooth performance, the integration of renewable energy sources (RESs) plays a vital role in the smart distribution system. However, due to the inherent uncertainty and intermittent nature of RESs, many issues and challenges such as power quality, efficiency, stability, and reliability need to be taken care of for achieving an optimal operation. To resolve these associated problems, the virtual power plant (VPP) has been introduced and integrated with present smart distribution systems without sacrificing the grid stability and reliability along with offering many techno-economic benefits. This article is a precise presentation of issues, modeling, effective management mechanism solutions, and prospects of VPP. In addition to that, the present status, guidelines, and standards prescribed for the VPP implementation are summarized. RESs have a significant effect on VPP framework coordination, and so one important aspect related to RESs scheduling in VPP is explained in this article. Bidding strategy optimization problems, the participation of the electric market, and technical innovation reforms are discussed in line with the VPP. This review gives a comprehensive outline of transforming micro-grid to VPP and conveys much information to researchers, consumers, prosumers, and utility operators.

Automated summary

This article discusses the significance of virtual power plants in smart distribution systems, as well as the challenges related to the uncertainty and intermittency of renewable energy sources. The integration of virtual power plants allows for better management of the balance between power demand and generation in smart distribution systems, offering solutions to achieve optimal operation.