Integration of distributed energy resources through a virtual power plant as an alternative to micro grids. An approach to smart grids

In this article, the concept of virtual power plants (VPP) is proposed as a new trend for technological convergence in electricity distribution networks and, therefore, as a mechanism to integrate distributed energy resources - DER-. Based on a literature review of the last twelve years, a definition of VPP is constructed to differentiate it from the concept of a micro network and, in turn, be useful to unify the relevant aspects of the concept proposed by different authors. Finally, the proposed definition of VPP is evaluated, by verifying that the classifications of virtual plants present in the scientific literature are included within the constructed concept and it is useful in a case study analyzed.