Resource-Aware Rolling-Horizon Controller for Renewable-Based Virtual Power Plants Providing Automatic Frequency Restoration Reserves
Virtual power plants (VPPs) are an effective solution for increasing the penetration of renewable energy sources (RES) in power systems. Moreover, VPPs can provide ancillary services if generators and loads are closely connected and properly coordinated. This aspect has been addressed in several studies, yet they mostly focus on the dispatch optimisation level, leaving real-time operation aspects unresolved. To close this gap, a central controller for VPPs based on a rolling-horizon optimisation is proposed in this work. Its main objective is to maximise revenues while delivering frequency restoration services. A day-ahead optimisation firstly defines the power setpoint and the upward and downward reserves of the VPP. Then, the rolling-horizon optimiser, executed every minute, distributes the power and reserve references between the VPP units to achieve their close tracking while taking into account resource availability (wind speed, irradiance, etc.), operational constraints and battery degradation. The effectiveness of the controller is tested using a two-area interconnected power system under different RES generation and demand profiles. The simulations are performed in MATLAB/Simulink and include detailed dynamic models of the VPP elements, demonstrating the applicability of the algorithm to real systems. The day-ahead and the rolling-horizon optimisation problems are modelled using YALMIP and solved using Gurobi. The obtained results demonstrate the VPP supporting grid frequency restoration by optimally allocating its resources, even under the presence of forecast uncertainty.