Virtual power plant opens energy storage field

What is a virtual power plant?

A virtual power plant is a system of distributed energy resources—like rooftop solar panels, electric vehicle chargers, and smart water heaters—that work together to balance energy supply and demand on a large scale. They are usually run by local utility companies who oversee this balancing act.

What is a virtual power plant (VPP)?

The “virtual” nature of VPPs comes from its lack of a central physical facility, like a traditional coal or gas plant. By generating electricity and balancing the energy load, the aggregated batteries and solar panels provide many of the functions of conventional power plants. They also have unique advantages.

Does a hybrid storage-wind virtual power plant participate in the electricity markets?

Alahyari A, Ehsan M, Mousavizadeh M (2019) A hybrid storage-wind virtual power plant (VPP) participation in the electricity markets: a self-scheduling optimization considering price, renewable generation, and electric vehicles uncertainties.

What is the prime time virtual power plant?

Shunning a brick and mortar building typical of traditional power plants and transmission lines, this futuristic electric utility of sorts is called the Prime Time Virtual Power Plant and is intended to come into existence in computer systems in Boulder, Colo.

Do virtual power plants have a physical form?

For more than a century, the prevalent image of power plants has been characterized by towering smokestacks, endless coal trains, and loud spinning turbines. But the plants powering our future will look radically different—in fact, many may not have a physical form at all. Welcome to the era of virtual power plants (VPPs).

Can lithium-ion batteries be used in virtual power plants?

Stroe DI (2014) Lifetime models for lithium-ion batteries used in virtual power plant applications. Aalborg University, Department of Energy Technology Behi B, Arefi A, Jennings P, et al (2020) Consumer engagement in virtual power plants through gamification. In: 2020 5th international conference on power and renewable energy (ICPRE). pp 131–137