Flexibility to DSO by VPP – Benefits, Regulatory Barriers, and Potential Solutions

DSO, being responsible of the distribution grid, manages the network and distribution substations through its DMS (Distribution Management System) and SCADA HMI. DSO has to resolve local issues and network constraints on its own, and can benefit from the use of a VPP (Virtual Power Plant) framework to give flexibility. The paper presents a platform where IEDs (Intelligent Electronic Devices) at the distribution substation and the VPP communicate via IEC 61850 standard. The platform emerges with the increased flexibility to DSO for ancillary services. For the demonstration, the paper presents a model of VPP, with a pilot test-case. The paper then models a distribution substation, and a use-case for ancillary services which is validated for flexibility provision. Finally, the regulatory barriers are discussed for the deployment, and the possible solutions are indicated.