Optimal Coexistence of Active Distribution Networks with Industrial Prosumers Operating as Virtual Power Plants

Potential sources of flexibility in the power supply and demand sides of the current power systems can be used by distribution system operators to share grid operation responsibility and operate as balancing responsible parties. For example, operating industries as virtual power plants with active participation in the energy spot markets will provide decision-makers with a key tool for improving flexibility provision. In this context, the research questions would point out to the challenge of operating such systems, which would lead to complex operational optimization problems. Thus, this work proposes a grid operation methodology to optimally lure the flexibility potentials from the supply and demand sides by considering the active distribution network competence in utility management and its coexistence with industrial prosumers operating as virtual power plants. The methodology is tested in an actual distribution grid with realistic industrial data from a bottle production and beverage plant in Germany, and the results show the benefits of the proposed operation methodology for flexibility provision.