Harnessing Virtual Power Plants Reliably: Enabling tools for increased observability, controllability, operation, and aggregation of distributed energy resources

Journal Article · Wed Mar 26 00:00:00 EDT 2025 · IEEE Electrification Magazine

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/mele.2025.3534265· OSTI ID:2566784

Suryanarayanan, Sid ^[1]; Talukder, Soumyabrata ^[2]; Nair, Arun Sukumaran ^[2]; Liu, Wenpeng ^[2]; Zhang, Liuxi Calvin ^[2]

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1. Eaton Corporation, Golden, CO (United States); Eaton Corporation
2. Eaton Corporation, Golden, CO (United States)

Harnessing virtual power plants enhances the integration of distributed energy resources into utility grids for a sustainable energy future. Virtual power plants (VPPs) aggregate DERs to enhance resource adequacy and reduce emissions. U.S. utilities are exploring various technologies to manage DERs effectively. FERC Order 2222 allows DERs to participate in both wholesale and retail markets. Enhancing observability and controllability of behind-the-meter (BTM) DERs is essential for reliable grid operations. A hierarchical control architecture can improve coordination among residential energy resources. Field tests showed nearly 20% energy savings and 30% peak power reduction during grid events. Effective management of DERs requires enhanced situational awareness to prevent grid congestion. Integrating DER management systems (DERMS) with existing planning tools can improve operational security. Near-real-time grid models can validate optimal resource set points against resource uncertainty. Traditional uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) can be upgraded to support grid services and become part of VPPs. Upgrading UPS systems can reduce costs by 75% and unlock significant battery capacity. New battery management systems and grid-aware controllers are essential for optimizing UPS performance. Continued research and development are necessary to address challenges in integrating DERs into utility grids. Encouraging customer participation in pilot programs is vital for the evolution of VPPs. Here, the shift towards price-responsive DERs and VPPs is expected to enhance energy distribution efficiency.

• Research Organization: Eaton Corporation, Golden, CO (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Energy Efficiency Office. Building Technologies Office
• Grant/Contract Number: EE0010918; EE0009023
• OSTI ID: 2566784
• Journal Information: IEEE Electrification Magazine, Journal Name: IEEE Electrification Magazine Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 13; ISSN 2325-5897
• Publisher: IEEE Xplore
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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