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Optimal frequency support from virtual power plants: Minimal reserve and allocation

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  • Zhu, Xiang
  • Ruan, Guangchun
  • Geng, Hua

Abstract

This paper proposes a novel reserve-minimizing and allocation strategy for virtual power plants (VPPs) to deliver optimal frequency support. The proposed strategy enables VPPs, acting as aggregators for inverter-based resources (IBRs), to provide optimal frequency support economically. The proposed strategy captures time-varying active power injections, reducing the unnecessary redundancy compared to traditional fixed reserve schemes. Reserve requirements for the VPPs are determined based on system frequency response and safety constraints, ensuring efficient grid support. Furthermore, an energy-based allocation model decomposes power injections for each IBR, accounting for their specific limitations. Numerical experiments validate the feasibility of the proposed approach, highlighting significant financial gains for VPPs, especially as system inertia decreases due to higher renewable energy integration.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhu, Xiang & Ruan, Guangchun & Geng, Hua, 2025. "Optimal frequency support from virtual power plants: Minimal reserve and allocation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 392(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:392:y:2025:i:c:s0306261925006439
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.125913
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    1. Putu Agus Aditya Pramana & Akhbar Candra Mulyana & Khotimatul Fauziah & Hafsah Halidah & Sriyono Sriyono & Buyung Sofiarto Munir & Yusuf Margowadi & Dionysius Aldion Renata & Adinda Prawitasari & Anni, 2025. "Design and Experimental Validation of a Cluster-Based Virtual Power Plant with Centralized Management System in Compliance with IEC Standard," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-22, October.

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