Optimization of the virtual power plants through evolutionary algorithms

This paper presents a model for operating commercial virtual power plant (VPP) composed of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) such as wind, photovoltaic generation, and energy storage system in the distribution system. The VPP has the objective to maximize profit in the daily energy market with the intention to reduce the overall CO2 emissions of distribution systems. The developed operational model relies on the capacity and energy conditions of the battery storage system and energy prices of the grid. A Genetic Algorithm (GA) is fitted to solve the operation interaction of the VPP and distribution system. The simulation results showed that the profitability of the VPP in the distribution system increased up to 2330 over the 24-hour operation horizon.