Optimal Operation of Virtual Power Plant in Unbalanced Distribution Networks

The work presented in this article aims to enhance electrical energy trading in unbalanced distribution networks using the virtual power plant concept. This article proposes different developed optimization algorithms based on modification of the big bang-big crunch method for virtual power plant realization. The proposed algorithms aim to manage the electrical energy in unbalanced distribution networks to minimize the cost of energy purchased from the grid. This goal is achieved through the optimal placement of renewable-based distributed generators, optimal scheduling of the controllable loads, and optimal sizing of energy storage elements. The proposed algorithms are implemented in a MATLAB environment (The MathWorks, Natick, Massachusetts, USA) and tested on the IEEE 37-node feeder. The results show great reduction in the cost of energy purchased from the grid, and the subsequent discussions emphasize the significance of using the virtual power plant concept in managing the electrical energy.