Role of Aggregator in Coordinating Residential Virtual Power Plant in “StoreNet” : A Pilot Project Case Study

Abstract

Towards the development and demonstration of an innovative business model where the value proposition for consumers/prosumers, aggregators and network operators are well maintained, this study assesses the performance of different aggregation control strategies for a distributed energy storage based residential virtual power plant (VPP). A special focus is given on the social welfare and network strength and their relation to energy storage capacity and power budgets allocation. The study is based on a real-life demonstration project, StoreNet where the basic self-consumption (SB-SC) control strategy has already been deployed. Analysing one-year measured data, it is observed that the implemented SB-SC approach allows 16%-19% electricity cost-saving, whereas the proposed VPP-bill minimisation approach can benefit from 37%-42% cost saving. This is also 7%-8% higher than the single home bill minimisation approach where the community does not participate in the VPP model. In contrast, the peak shaving approach is more favourable for the network operator. It reduces the load peak by 46.5%-64.7% and also drastically reduces the benefits for the customers and aggregator. Based on these studies and learning, some recommendations are made addressing the integration aspect of residential VPP and the future development of this concept for the local and wholesale energy markets.

Design and Field Implementation of a Hierarchical Control Solution for Residential Energy Storage Systems

“…The island has been promoting grid edge technologies through the development of the National Energy and Climate Plan [30]. StoreNet pilot project [31], [32] is part of the Irish contribution to the state of the art of understanding and assessing the future role of residential prosumers in promoting smart grid application. StoreNet is an industry-led, collaborative and real-life demonstration project with SOLO Energy (aggregator), Electric Ireland (utility supplier), and ESB Networks (distribution network operator).…”

Business Models for Energy Community in the Aggregator Perspective: State of the Art and Research Gaps

“…The main categorization of the Aggregator relies on its technical activities. In [34], the Aggregator is primarily the technical operator of a Virtual Power Plant (VPP), which is defined as an "information and communications technology system with the functionalities of enhancing renewable power generation, aggregating DERs and valuing them on market" [35]. So, in this role, it performs a twofold activity on VPP:…”

“…Developing these strategies is required for the Aggregator to exhibit strong skills in asset coordination and flexibility management. This is possible thanks to optimization algorithms, typically of mixed-integer linear (MILP) optimization [34,50,51], the development of which is a crucial success factor of the aggregator's activity.…”

“…Services provided, like peak smoothing, allow for avoiding onerous investments on power production and grid reinforcement [41]. The latter instead is facilitated in coordinating DERs into balance procedures, as once pooled together, they are more visible [34]. End-users or customers, who can be seen much more as a resource rather than a partner, are the last relation considered.…”

Study of Different Management Mechanisms for Distributed Energy Resources

“…As the scale of CVPP continues to expand, its market behavior affects the distribution network. In order to ensure the safety of distribution network operation, a DSO certification VPP regulation plan is required [21] .…”