Work

Renewable energy communities virtual islanding: A decentralized service to improve distribution grid security

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This article presents a novel service provided by Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) for the distribution network. This service, called Virtual Islanding (VI) and ideally requested to the RECs by the Distribution System Operator (DSO), basically consists in requiring that the net active power exchange between the involved REC and the main grid is zero for a specified time frame. The effectiveness of RECs VI operation is assessed using an Optimal Power Flow (OPF) that considers distribution network operational limits. Simulations, performed in a test case distribution system with massive penetration of RES, highlight the VI benefits both from a technical and sustainability viewpoint.

Source: Sustainable Energy Grids and Networks

DOI: 10.1016/j.segan.2025.101700

Authors: Angelo Velini, Manuela Minetti, Sergio Bruno, Andrea Bonfiglio, Renato Procopio, Massimo La Scala

Institutions: Polytechnic University of Bari, University of Genoa

Language: English

Topic: Optimal Power Flow Distribution

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,760