Research and prospect of virtual microgrids based on energy internet

Nowadays, a new round of power system reform and Energy Internet are happening in China. Many techniques such as microgrid, renewable energy, energy storage and multi-energy complementary system become mature. The concept of virtual microgrids which is positive for energy internet is firstly put forward in this paper, based on the advantages and disadvantages of microgrid and virtual power plant. Firstly, the similarities and differences of microgrid/virtual power plant/virtual microgrids are discussed. Then, we summary the definition, structure, operation mechanism and key technology of virtual microgrids. At last, we also discuss the development prospect of virtual microgrids in our country.