Smart integration and aggregation of nanogrids: Benefits for users and DSO

A small size power system of low voltage customers containing renewable energy plants and energy storage functions, that produces a portion or all of their onsite power needs and sells the excess to the public grid, may be identified with the term Nanogrid. Within the changing scenario of power distribution sector, Nanogrids may play a role in providing energy and services to distribution system operators or to a third-party aggregator, by exploiting the virtual power plant concept. The paper looks into the benefits for Nanogrids owners and DSOs, subsequently to the adoption of a smarter operation and a new market environment within future power distribution networks.