Understand · 1 of 4Self-paced
Aggregate customer flexibility realistically
A VPP combines devices but must respect customer consent, connection limits, state of charge and participation. Installed capacity exceeds firm dispatchable capability whenever some devices opt out or are unavailable. Rebound can move rather than remove demand.
Read · work through an example · try it yourselfWatch the video
Working relationship
Expected available MW = devices × kW each × participation ÷ 1,000
What to keep separate
Do not sell customer flexibility twice across incompatible network and market commitments.
Your task
Design a customer dispatch event including notification, opt-out, minimum reserve, compensation and rebound.
Watch the explanation
Key terms in plain English
- VPP
- Virtual power plant: coordinated operation of distributed resources such as batteries and flexible loads. Aggregation does not remove each device's operating or connection limits.
- MW
- Megawatt: a measure of power, or how quickly energy is transferred. A plant's maximum MW is not its actual output in every interval.
- Dispatch
- The operational process of determining output and consumption targets, subject to offers, demand and system constraints. A target is not a meter reading.
Supporting diagrams
The customer can also supply flexibility
Net grid import depends on what happens behind the meter at the same time.
- 01 · Site consumption10 kW
Appliances and equipment
- 02 · Rooftop generation6 kW
Used on site in this example
- 03 · Grid import4 kW
10 − 6; battery idle