A virtual power plant (VPP) is essentially a network of decentralised and distributed energy resources (DER) managed by a central control platform. This includes solar PV, wind turbines, battery storage, EV charges and electric vehicles.
The central control platform enables large numbers of DER to be orchestrated across different locations and work together like a traditional centralised power plant. A VPP is a more effective and efficient way to manage distributed energy resources and dynamic energy flows.
It’s important to note that there are very different types of VPP technology available.
The most basic simply control inverters and batteries via an API or an IoT device to manage peak demand. The more sophisticated, such as Karit, use software informed by machine learning to carry out forecasts, efficiently manage and optimise the assets and devices connected to the VPP dynamically.
Renewable energy generation and storage sources are installed at selected locations.
Decentralised distributed energy resources (DER) are combined into a single system using advanced software platforms. This is referred to as aggregation. A variety of DER can be incorporated into a VPP. These include renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind generation, or controllable loads, such as battery storage and EV charges.
Sites are connected to a VPP using an IoT device which connects the DER to the VPP cloud. The VPP operator uses the cloud-based platform to centrally control and monitor the performance and availability of the aggregated resources in real-time, maximising production and optimising consumption efficiency.
VPPs are designed to extract the greatest value from the aggregated energy resources. Parameters and triggers are set so that energy is dispatched from the most appropriate sources to meet demand, minimise costs and ensure grid reliability. For example, when electricity prices are high or during peak demand periods, the VPP will initially dispatch from renewable generation sources or batteries.
The VPP platform provides the ability to settle and reconcile the energy production and consumption between the locations connected to the VPP. So, if one site within the VPP produces more energy than needed, the excess energy can be redistributed to other sites that require more. This helps to balance out the overall energy usage within the network. Learn more about energy management.
Intelligent VPP platforms, such as Karit, use advanced algorithms and machine learning to optimise the performance and dispatch of resources. Factors such as energy demand, grid stability, market prices, and weather forecasts are incorporated into renewable energy forecasting models. Learn more.
VPPs can participate in energy markets, they can dispatch surplus energy back to the grid or offer ancillary services like demand response and frequency control. This creates income opportunities for the owners of the distributed energy resources, and also helps to maintain a balance between energy supply and grid demand. Learn more.
Advanced VPP platforms, such as Karit, also serve as an asset management system. They optimise the overall performance and lifetime of the distributed renewable energy resources to meet customer and market commitments. Learn more.
Generally, with small and midsize enterprises and residential properties, a VPP is designed to create value for both the VPP operator and participants. Usually, they share the financial benefits the VPP creates.
For larger commercial and industrial enterprises, deploying a VPP creates the potential to:
Individuals, businesses and communities can all benefit from the deployment, participation in, and promotion of Virtual Power Plants.
Interested in extracting value from the biggest change to the energy industry in over 100 years? Thinking about changing the way you provide energy to your customers, communities and business?
Watch our short explainer video to learn about the benefits of a Karit Virtual Power Plant.
Karit is a cloud-based command and control platform that connects with our specifically designed edge energy management devices (we call them Karit Cakes). These devices collect energy and asset data, and enable commands to be sent between the control platform and the distributed energy assets. The Karit platform is integrated with real-time weather and energy market data. This integration provides a framework for intelligent management, and optimisation of energy flows and VPP performance. A market settlement arrangement is established so excess energy from VPP generation sites can be utilised at other sites or traded dynamically in energy markets.
We’re transforming how energy is managed.
A Virtual Power Plant powered by Karit is the solution to efficiently adding distributed energy resources (DER) into the grid and creating self-sufficient energy ecosystems.
Our platform empowers our customers to aggregate and coordinate large numbers of DER, including wind, solar, battery storage, EV charges and more.
With Karit, you can harness the combined strength of disparate and decentralised energy assets to:
Embrace a platform that accommodates a variety of DER makes and types—whether it's generation or storage, our technology is adaptable and scalable.
Our platform fully integrates with energy market and weather services, enabling predictive event management.
Use specific operating modes for individual sites or groups within the Virtual Power Plant to enhance energy and asset efficiency.
Manage your distributed energy resources cohesively as a single entity, enabling intelligent interaction with energy markets. And that's just the beginning.
Get the technology, tools and expert support you need to uplevel your energy and asset management.
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