Simulation and Control of Virtual Power Plant for Effective Utilization of Distributed Generation

With the growing popularity of virtual power plant, few problems are encountered if penetration of virtual power plant increases in the distribution network like reverse power flow, interference caused with the controlling mechanism of voltage regulating devices, power quality issues at the PCC which are caused by irregular and unreliable injection. This project proposes an alternative injection strategy for decentralized virtual power plant in the distribution network. This strategy lets the virtual power plant act like a typical power plant and makes the system capable to regulate its terminal voltage by injecting only the required power. Such type of predictive injection lets an easy coordination between control mechanisms of various voltage regulating devices and reduces power quality issues. Also virtual power plant can be operated as a small base load plants which inject power throughout the day and/or supply few hours of peak load depending on the adopted injection strategy. Another advantage is the creation of a small micro grid. A design example of the proposed system is discussed in this project.