Applying the Differential Evolution Algorithm to Model an Equivalent Digital Power Plant

Due to increased high penetration of renewable energy resources in power systems, the concept of Virtual Power Plant (VPP) has been proposed to aggregate Distributed Energy Resources (DER) to act like a single power plant. In this context, the purpose of this work is the development of a method to aggregate DER units, which use the interface with the electrical network by converters, representing them by equivalent VPPs. In addition to this representation, it is necessary to estimate the parameters of the equivalent VPP model. The method used for this purpose is based on the Gray-box method and a Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm, which allows the use of measurement data that can be performed at the boundary between the distribution system and the system under study. The model is validated using the MATLAB/SIMULINK software to simulate a test network and obtain parameters of the equivalent model.