Device for operating virtual power plant and method for operating virtual power plant

Abstract

A method for operating a virtual power plant according to an embodiment of the present invention is a method for operating a virtual power plant (VPP) by a VPP operating device associated with a plurality of demand response (DR) resources, and may comprise the steps of: allocating a power reduction amount to each of the DR resources in response to a power reduction request; when a sale request for at least a part of the allocated power reduction amount is received from a first DR resource among the DR resources, providing information on power for sale to the remaining DR resources; and when at least one second DR resource having purchased the power for sale is determined, calculating a power trading price including at least one of a penalty price for the first DR resource and a compensation price for the second DR resource on the basis of a sale result.

Description

Virtual power plant operating device and virtual power plant operating method

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0113266 filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on August 29, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a virtual power plant operating device and a virtual power plant operating method, and more particularly, to a virtual power plant operating device linked to a plurality of demand response (DR) resources and a virtual power plant operating method using the same.

[0003] Distributed Energy Resources (DER) are power resources connected to the distribution grid that provide power or support peak demand. Examples of distributed resources include distributed power sources, energy storage systems (ESS), and demand-side resources.

[0004] While distributed power sources and small-scale ESS are becoming increasingly widespread, their location in various facilities, such as homes and buildings, presents limitations in terms of integrated operation. To address this issue, a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) has been proposed, leveraging ICT to integrate and operate diverse distributed resources as a single power plant. VPPs enable the integrated operation of distributed resources previously managed individually. By integrating forecasts across distributed resources, VPPs can improve power generation forecast accuracy and enhance the stability of the power system.

[0005] Virtual power plants can be categorized into supply-side, demand-side, and convergence-side types based on resource recruitment. Among these, demand-side virtual power plants utilize recruited demand response resources to stabilize the power grid by reducing power consumption during peak periods. Small-scale facilities, such as homes, buildings, and factories, typically participate in virtual power plants as demand response resources. When demand response resources reduce power consumption at the request of the virtual power plant or intermediary provider (VPP) system, they can receive compensation, such as a settlement fee corresponding to the amount of power reduction.

[0006] In response to grid-side power reduction requests, the virtual power plant allocates power reductions to each connected demand response resource. Each demand response resource must perform demand response equivalent to the allocated power reduction. If a demand response resource fails to reduce a portion of its allocated power, it will incur a penalty fee to the virtual power plant.

[0007] Under this typical virtual power plant operating method, even if demand response cannot be implemented due to ESS failure or insufficient stored power, penalty costs are imposed on the affected demand response resource, potentially increasing the outflow of existing demand response resources and reducing the inflow of new ones. Therefore, appropriate virtual power plant operation technology that can address these issues is needed.

[0008] The purpose of the present invention to solve the above problems is to provide a virtual power plant operating device linked to multiple demand response resources.

[0009] Another object of the present invention to solve the above problems is to provide a method for operating a virtual power plant using such a virtual power plant operating device.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object, a virtual power plant operating device is provided, which is a VPP operating device configured in a virtual power plant (VPP) system linked to a plurality of demand response (DR) resources, and may include at least one processor; and a memory storing at least one command executed through the at least one processor.

[0011] Here, the at least one command may include: a command for allocating a power reduction amount to each of the DR resources in response to a power reduction request; a command for providing information about the power to be sold to the remaining DR resources when a sale request for at least a portion of the allocated power reduction amount is received from a first DR resource among the DR resources; and a command for calculating a power transaction price, based on a sale result, including at least one of a penalty price for the first DR resource and a compensation price for the second DR resource, when one or more second DR resources that have purchased the power to be sold are confirmed.

[0012] The command to provide information about the above-mentioned sales power to the remaining DR resources may include a command to terminate the sales procedure and confirm the second DR resource when a predefined time has elapsed or when all sales power has been sold.

[0013] The command for calculating the above power transaction cost may include a command for calculating a supply-demand ratio (SDR) based on the amount of power sold and the total amount of power purchased by the second DR resource; and a command for calculating at least one of a penalty price for the first DR resource and a compensation price for the second DR resource based on the SDR.

[0014] The penalty price for the above first DR resource can be calculated at a lower price as the SDR is higher.

[0015] The compensation price for the above second DR resource can be calculated at a higher price as the SDR is lower.

[0016] The at least one command may include a command to pay a compensation cost according to a predefined general compensation price when the DR resource performs demand response and reduces the amount of power allocated to it; and a command to impose a penalty cost according to a predefined general penalty price higher than the general compensation price when the DR resource fails to reduce at least a portion of the amount of power allocated to it.

[0017] The penalty price for the first DR resource may be calculated at a price lower than the general penalty price. Here, the penalty price for the first DR resource may be calculated at a price closer to the general compensation price as the supply-demand ratio (SDR), calculated based on the amount of electricity sold and the total amount of electricity purchased, increases.

[0018] The compensation price for the above-mentioned second DR resource may be calculated at a price higher than the general compensation price. Here, the compensation price for the above-mentioned second DR resource may be calculated at a price closer to the general penalty price as the supply-demand ratio (SDR), calculated based on the amount of electricity sold and the total amount of electricity purchased, is lower.

[0019] The at least one command may further include a command to pay a compensation cost according to the compensation price to the second DR resource when the second DR resource performs demand response for the amount of electricity purchased from the first DR resource; and a command to impose a penalty cost according to the penalty price on the first DR resource.

[0020]

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above other objects, a method for operating a virtual power plant is provided, by a virtual power plant (VPP) operating device linked to a plurality of demand response (DR) resources, the method comprising: allocating a power reduction amount to each of the DR resources in response to a power reduction request; when a sales request for at least a portion of the allocated power reduction amount is received from a first DR resource among the DR resources, providing information about the power to be sold to the remaining DR resources; and when one or more second DR resources that have purchased the power to be sold are confirmed, calculating a power transaction price based on a sales result, the power transaction price including at least one of a penalty price for the first DR resource and a compensation price for the second DR resource.

[0022] The step of providing information about the above-mentioned sales power to the remaining DR resources may include a step of terminating the sales procedure and confirming the second DR resource when a predefined time has elapsed or when all sales power is sold.

[0023] The step of calculating the above power transaction cost may include a step of calculating a supply-demand ratio (SDR) based on the amount of power sold and the total amount of power purchased by the second DR resource; and a step of calculating at least one of a penalty price for the first DR resource and a compensation price for the second DR resource based on the SDR.

[0024] The penalty price for the above first DR resource can be calculated at a lower price as the SDR is higher.

[0025] The compensation price for the above second DR resource can be calculated at a higher price as the SDR is lower.

[0026] The above VPP operating method may further include a step of paying a compensation cost according to a predefined general compensation price when the DR resource reduces the amount of power allocated to it by performing demand response; and a step of imposing a penalty cost according to a predefined general penalty price higher than the general compensation price when the DR resource fails to reduce at least a portion of the amount of power allocated to it.

[0027] The penalty price for the first DR resource may be calculated at a price lower than the general penalty price. Here, the penalty price for the first DR resource may be calculated at a price closer to the general compensation price as the supply-demand ratio (SDR), calculated based on the amount of electricity sold and the total amount of electricity purchased, increases.

[0028] The compensation price for the above-mentioned second DR resource may be calculated at a price higher than the general compensation price. Here, the compensation price for the above-mentioned second DR resource may be calculated at a price closer to the general penalty price as the supply-demand ratio (SDR), calculated based on the amount of electricity sold and the total amount of electricity purchased, is lower.

[0029] The above VPP operating method may further include a step of paying a compensation cost according to the compensation price to the second DR resource when the second DR resource performs demand response for the amount of electricity purchased from the first DR resource; and a step of imposing a penalty cost according to the penalty price on the first DR resource.

[0030] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, by supporting demand response resources to trade the allocated power reduction amount, non-performance of demand response to power reduction requests on the grid side can be minimized.

[0031] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, by minimizing the penalty amount for non-performance of demand response and paying an additional compensation amount for additional performance of demand response, the satisfaction of users participating in demand response in terms of cost can be improved.

[0032] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a demand response resource according to the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an implementation example of a demand response resource according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a virtual power plant operating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4 is an operational flowchart showing a virtual power plant operation method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a virtual power plant operation method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a virtual power plant operation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] 10: Energy storage system

[0039] 20: Subordinate

[0040] 30: Power system

[0041] 40: VPP operating device

[0042] 100: VPP operating device

[0043] 200: Demand response resources

[0044] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Throughout the description of each drawing, similar reference numerals have been used to designate similar components.

[0045] Terms such as "first," "second," "A," and "B" may be used to describe various components, but these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component could be referred to as the "second component," and similarly, the second component could also be referred to as the "first component." The term "and / or" includes any combination of multiple related items listed or any one of multiple related items listed.

[0046] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0047] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0048] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0049]

[0050] Some terms used in this specification are defined as follows:

[0051] SOC (State of Charge) is the current charged state of the battery expressed as a percentage [%], and SOH (State of Health) is the current deterioration state of the battery expressed as a percentage [%].

[0052] A battery rack is a system with a minimum single structure that can be monitored and controlled through a BMS by connecting modules or pack units set by the battery manufacturer in series or parallel, and can be configured to include multiple battery packs or battery modules and one BPU or protection device.

[0053] A battery bank can refer to a large-scale battery rack system composed of multiple racks connected in parallel. A battery bank-level BMS can monitor and control the rack BMS (RBMS) at the battery rack level.

[0054] BSC (Battery System Controller) is a device that performs top-level control of a battery system, including a bank-level battery system, and is also used as a control device in a battery system with multiple bank-level structures.

[0055] A virtual power plant system (VPP) is a collection of hardware and software required for the operation of a virtual power plant (VPP). It can be implemented on a single physical device or distributed across multiple physical devices.

[0056] A demand response resource is a facility that is linked to a virtual power plant (VPP) system and controls power resources in response to demand response requests from the VPP system. Demand response resources may include various facilities, such as homes, buildings, and factories, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these entities.

[0057] Demand Response (DR) refers to regulating grid power usage by controlling power resources to meet demand response requests. Demand response resources linked to demand-driven virtual power plants can implement demand response by reducing grid power usage by the amount of power reduction allocated to them.

[0058] A demand response request refers to a request for power resource control or a request for a change in power usage for a demand response resource. Here, the demand response request may include at least one of a demand response period and a demand response power amount (e.g., a power reduction amount).

[0059]

[0060] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0061]

[0062] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a demand response resource according to the present invention.

[0063] A demand response resource according to the present invention may include an energy storage system (10) and a load (20).

[0064] The energy storage system (10) can receive power from a power system (30) and store the received power internally.

[0065] The load (20) is electrically connected to the energy storage system (10) and the power system (30) and can receive power from at least one of the energy storage system (10) and the power system (30).

[0066] The energy storage system (10) can be connected to the VPP operating device (40) via a network and can transmit and receive data to each other. Here, the energy storage system (10) can be connected to the VPP operating device (40) via a wired or wireless network.

[0067] The energy storage system (10) can receive information regarding a demand response request from the VPP operating device (40). Here, the demand response request information can include a demand response period and a demand response power amount (e.g., power reduction amount).

[0068] A VPP operating device (40) may be included and configured within a VPP system. The VPP operating device (40) may be managed by an intermediary business operator that recruits VPP service participants and demand response resources and provides VPP services. When a power peak occurs in the power system, the VPP operating device (40) may generate demand response (DR) request information and transmit it to an energy storage system (10) configured within the demand response resources.

[0069] The energy storage system (10) can monitor the status of internal power resources and control the charging and discharging operations of batteries configured therein according to a pre-established operation schedule. Here, when demand response (DR) request information is received from the VPP operating device (40), the energy storage system (10) can adjust the battery's operation schedule in response to the demand response request. For example, when a power reduction request of 10 kWh is received from the VPP operating device (40), the energy storage system (10) can perform demand response by controlling the battery to discharge by 10 kWh.

[0070]

[0071] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an implementation example of a demand response resource according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] A demand response resource according to an embodiment of the present invention may correspond to a house including an energy storage system (10). Here, the energy storage system (10) may include a power generation device (11) that produces power, a battery system (12) that stores power, an energy management device (14) that manages and controls components of the energy storage system, and a power conversion device (13) that is connected to the power generation device (11), the battery system (12), and the power system (30) to convert power.

[0073] The power generation device (11) is a device configured with demand response resources to produce electricity, and may include at least one of a solar power generation device, a solar thermal power generation device, a wind power generation device, and a geothermal power generation device. For example, the power generation device (11) may correspond to a solar power generation system (PV; Photovoltaic, 110').

[0074] The battery system (12) may include one or more battery modules, battery packs, or battery racks. The battery system (12) may include a battery management system (BMS). The BMS may monitor the current, voltage, and temperature of the battery, calculate the SOC (Status Of Charge) based on the monitoring results, and control charging and discharging.

[0075] The power conversion device (13) can control the power output from the power generation device (11), the charging / discharging power of the battery system (12), and the power supplied to the load (20). Here, the power conversion device (13) can control the charging / discharging operation of the battery system (12) according to the operating schedule established by the energy management device (14). The power conversion device (13) can include an AC / DC inverter that converts the DC output of the power generation device (11) and the battery system (12) into AC output and supplies it to the load (20).

[0076] The energy management device (14) can collect status information on the power generation device (11), the battery system (12), the power conversion device (13), the load (20), and the power system (30) and monitor each component. Here, the status information can include at least one of the system power supply amount, power production amount, power consumption amount, the operation status of the battery system (12), and the charging status of the battery. The energy management device (14) can be connected to a sensor capable of sensing specific status information or a management device (e.g., BMS) of a specific power resource in order to collect status information on the power resource.

[0077] The energy management device (14) may correspond to the highest level control device of the ESS, or may be implemented as included therein. For example, the energy management device (14) may correspond to the Home Energy Management System (HEMS), which is the highest level control system in a residential ESS, or may be implemented as included therein.

[0078] The energy management device (14) is connected to a user terminal (15) through a network and can mutually transmit and receive data.

[0079] The user terminal (15) may be a computing device managed by a user who manages demand response resources. Here, the user terminal (15) may receive and display information regarding the status and operation of the ESS from the energy management device (14). In addition, the user terminal (150) may receive user selection information regarding the operation of the ESS from the user and transmit the user selection information to the energy management device (14). In addition, the user terminal (150) may be connected to the VPP operating device (40) via a network and may directly transmit the user selection information to the VPP operating device (40).

[0080] The energy storage system (10) can be implemented as a DC Coupled ESS in which a power generation device (11) and a battery system (12) are connected to a DC line, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Meanwhile, the energy storage system (10) illustrated in FIG. 2 is an example for a clear explanation of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the detailed structure of the ESS.

[0081]

[0082] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a virtual power plant operating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] The VPP operating device (100) is linked to a plurality of DR resources (200-1 to 200-N). Here, the VPP operating device (100) is connected to a user terminal or energy management device of each of the DR resources via a network, and can mutually transmit and receive data.

[0084] The VPP operating device (100) can generate DR request information when a power peak occurs in the power system and transmit it to DR resources. Here, the DR request information transmitted to each DR resource can include a power reduction amount allocated to each DR resource.

[0085] When a DR resource reduces its allocated power by performing demand response, the VPP operating device (100) may pay a compensation fee to the user of the DR resource. Here, the VPP operating device (100) may calculate the compensation fee based on the reduced power of the DR resource and a predefined general compensation price, and pay the calculated compensation fee to the user account of the DR resource.

[0086] For example, if DR resource #1 reduces power consumption by 20 kWh and the general compensation price is defined as 100 won / kWh, the VPP operating device (100) can pay a compensation cost of 2,000 won (20 * 100) to the user of DR resource #1.

[0087] If a DR resource fails to reduce at least a portion of its allocated power, the VPP operating device (100) may impose a penalty fee on the user of the DR resource. Here, the VPP operating device (100) may calculate the penalty fee based on the demand response non-performance power of the DR resource and a predefined general penalty price, and deposit the calculated penalty fee into the user account of the DR resource. In an embodiment, the general penalty price may be defined as a price higher than the general compensation price.

[0088] For example, if DR resource #1 fails to reduce power consumption by 15 kWh out of the allocated 20 kWh, and the general penalty price is defined as 150 won / kWh, the VPP operating device (100) may impose a penalty cost of 2,250 won (15 * 150) on the user of DR resource #1. Here, since DR resource #1 reduced power consumption by 5 kWh, the final penalty cost may be determined as 1,750 won, which is 2,250 won minus a compensation cost of 500 won (5 * 100).

[0089] The VPP operating device (100) can support DR resources to trade the power reduction amount allocated to them. That is, if a specific DR resource is unable to fulfill the power reduction amount allocated to it due to a failure of the ESS or a lack of stored power, the VPP operating device (100) can support the DR resource to sell the allocated power amount to another DR resource.

[0090] Here, the VPP operating device (100) may pay a separate compensation cost, distinct from the general compensation cost, to DR resources that purchase allocated power and perform additional demand response. Furthermore, the VPP operating device (100) may impose a separate penalty cost, distinct from the general penalty cost, on DR resources that fail to perform at least a portion of the demand response by selling allocated power.

[0091]

[0092] FIG. 4 is an operational flowchart showing a VPP operating method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a virtual power plant operating method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] The VPP operating method according to an embodiment of the present invention can be performed by a VPP operating device located within a VPP system.

[0094] The VPP operating device may receive a power reduction request from an external device (S410). Here, the power reduction request may be received from a device monitoring a power system and may include a total power reduction amount required for the power system.

[0095] The VPP operating device can allocate a power reduction amount to each DR resource in response to the received power reduction request (S420). For example, if a total power reduction of 100 kWh is required, the VPP operating device can allocate a power reduction amount of 20 kWh to each of the five DR resources, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0096] The VPP operating device can transmit information regarding the allocated power to each DR resource. Here, the allocated power information can include the demand response power amount (reduced power amount) and the demand response period.

[0097] The VPP operating device can receive a sales request for at least a portion of the allocated power reduction amount from a specific DR resource (hereinafter, the first DR resource) (S430). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, DR resource #1 (the first DR resource) can request the VPP operating device to sell 10 kWh of the allocated 20 kWh strategic amount. On the other hand, unlike as illustrated in FIG. 5, the first DR resource can request the sale of the entire allocated power amount (20 kWh).

[0098] The VPP operating device can provide information on the power sold to the remaining DR resources (S440). Here, the power sold information can include the additional demand response power (the amount of power to be additionally reduced) and the demand response period. For example, as illustrated in Figure 5, the VPP operating device can transmit the power sold (10 kWh) to the remaining DR resources (DR resources #2 to #5), excluding DR resource #1 (the first DR resource), and request a response regarding whether to purchase the power.

[0099] The power sales process (or power trading process) may proceed for a predefined period of time. Here, the VPP operating device may terminate the sales process (or power trading process) when the predefined period of time has elapsed or when all power sales have been completed.

[0100] Once the power transaction is completed (YES in S450), the VPP operating device can determine one or more DR resources (hereinafter, “secondary DR resources”) that purchased the power for sale and the amount of power purchased. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, if DR resource #2 purchases 3 kWh and DR resource #5 purchases 5 kWh, and a set amount of time has elapsed before the power transaction process is completed, the VPP operating device can determine DR resource #2 and DR resource #5 as secondary DR resources and determine the total amount of power purchased as 8 kWh.

[0101] The VPP operating device can calculate a power transaction price based on the sales results (S460). Here, the power transaction price may include at least one of a penalty price for the first DR resource and a compensation price for the second DR resource.

[0102] The VPP operating device can calculate a penalty price for the first DR resource and a compensation price for the second DR resource based on one or more of the sold power quantity, the total purchased power quantity, the general penalty price, and the general compensation price.

[0103] In an embodiment, the VPP operating device may calculate a penalty price for the first DR resource and a compensation price for the second DR resource based on a ratio of the total purchased power to the sold power.

[0104] Specifically, the VPP operating device can calculate a supply-demand ratio (SDR) based on the mathematical expression 1 below, and calculate a penalty price for the first DR resource and a compensation price for the second DR resource based on the calculated SDR.

[0105] [Mathematical Formula 1]

[0106]

[0107] (Psell is the sales power of the first DR resource, and Pbuy is the total purchase power of the second DR resource)

[0108] Here, the penalty price for the first DR resource can be defined such that the higher the SDR calculated by Equation 1, the lower the price. That is, if the first DR resource sells the allocated power through power trading according to the present invention, the penalty cost for failure to perform demand response can be imposed less as the purchased power volume increases.

[0109] Additionally, the compensation price for the second DR resource can be defined to be higher the lower the SDR. That is, if the second DR resource purchases allocated power through power trading according to the present invention, the compensation cost for additional demand response implementation can be higher the lower the purchased power.

[0110]

[0111] In an embodiment, the penalty price for the first DR resource may be defined to be calculated at a price lower than the general penalty price. Here, the penalty price for the first DR resource may be defined to be calculated at a price closer to the general compensation price as the SDR increases. For example, if the general penalty price is defined as 150 won / kWh and the general compensation price is defined as 100 won / kWh, the penalty price for the first DR resource may be calculated at a price lower than 150 won / kWh. Here, the penalty price for the first DR resource may decrease as the SDR increases (i.e., as the total purchased power amount increases) and may converge to 100 won / kWh. Accordingly, if a user of the DR resource cannot reduce a portion of the allocated power amount, he or she may reduce a portion of the penalty cost imposed by selling the allocated power to another user through the power trading procedure according to the present invention.

[0112] The VPP operating device can calculate a penalty price for the first DR resource based on the mathematical expression 2 below.

[0113] [Equation 2]

[0114]

[0115] (λsell is the penalty price for the first DR resource, λpen is the general penalty price, and λgrid is the general reward price)

[0116] According to the above mathematical expression 2, if the general penalty price is defined as 150 won / kWh and the general compensation price is defined as 100 won / kWh, when the SDR is 0, the penalty price for the first DR resource can be calculated as 150 won / kWh. In addition, when the SDR is 0.5, the penalty price for the first DR resource can be calculated as 120 won / kWh. In addition, when the SDR is 0.8, the penalty price for the first DR resource can be calculated as 107.1 won / kWh. In addition, when the SDR is 1, the penalty price for the first DR resource can be calculated as 100 won / kWh.

[0117]

[0118] In an embodiment, the compensation price for the second DR resource may be defined to be calculated at a price higher than the general compensation price. Here, the compensation price for the second DR resource may be defined to be calculated at a price closer to the general penalty price as the SDR is lower. For example, if the general penalty price is defined as 150 won / kWh and the general compensation price is defined as 100 won / kWh, the compensation price for the second DR resource may be calculated at a price higher than 100 won / kWh. Here, the compensation price for the second DR resource may be calculated at a higher price as the SDR is lower (i.e., the total purchased power amount is lower) and may converge to 150 won / kWh as the SDR approaches 0. Accordingly, if a user of the DR resource can perform additional demand response, he or she may receive an additional compensation cost higher than the general compensation cost by purchasing the allocated power from another user through the power trading procedure according to the present invention.

[0119] The VPP operating device can calculate a compensation price for the second DR resource based on the above mathematical expression 2 and the mathematical expression 3 below.

[0120] [Equation 3]

[0121]

[0122] (λbuy is the compensation price for the second DR resource)

[0123] According to the above mathematical equations 2 and 3, if the general penalty price is defined as 150 won / kWh and the general compensation price is defined as 100 won / kWh, if the SDR is 0.1, the compensation price for the second DR resource can be calculated as 149.3 won / kWh. In addition, if the SDR is 0.5, the compensation price for the second DR resource can be calculated as 135 won / kWh. In addition, if the SDR is 0.8, the compensation price for the second DR resource can be calculated as 115.7 won / kWh. In addition, if the SDR is 1, the compensation price for the second DR resource can be calculated as 100 won / kWh.

[0124] If the second DR resource performs demand response for the amount of electricity purchased from the first DR resource, the VPP operating device may calculate a compensation cost based on the compensation price calculated in S460 and pay it to the user of the second DR resource. Furthermore, the VPP operating device may calculate a penalty cost based on the penalty price calculated in S460 and impose it on the user of the first DR resource.

[0125]

[0126] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a VPP operating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0127] A VPP operating device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be located within a VPP system linked to a plurality of DR resources.

[0128] The VPP operating device (100) may include at least one processor (110), a memory (120) that stores at least one command executed through the processor, and a transmission / reception device (130) that is connected to a network and performs communication.

[0129] The at least one command may include: a command for allocating a power reduction amount to each of the DR resources in response to a power reduction request; a command for providing information about the power to be sold to the remaining DR resources when a sale request for at least a portion of the allocated power reduction amount is received from a first DR resource among the DR resources; and a command for calculating a power transaction price, based on a sale result, including at least one of a penalty price for the first DR resource and a compensation price for the second DR resource, when one or more second DR resources that have purchased the power to be sold are confirmed.

[0130] The command to provide information about the above-mentioned sales power to the remaining DR resources may include a command to terminate the sales procedure and confirm the second DR resource when a predefined time has elapsed or when all sales power has been sold.

[0131] The command for calculating the above power transaction cost may include a command for calculating a supply-demand ratio (SDR) based on the amount of power sold and the total amount of power purchased by the second DR resource; and a command for calculating at least one of a penalty price for the first DR resource and a compensation price for the second DR resource based on the SDR.

[0132] The penalty price for the above first DR resource can be calculated at a lower price as the SDR is higher.

[0133] The compensation price for the above second DR resource can be calculated at a higher price as the SDR is lower.

[0134] The at least one command may include a command to pay a compensation cost according to a predefined general compensation price when the DR resource performs demand response and reduces the amount of power allocated to it; and a command to impose a penalty cost according to a predefined general penalty price higher than the general compensation price when the DR resource fails to reduce at least a portion of the amount of power allocated to it.

[0135] The penalty price for the first DR resource may be calculated at a price lower than the general penalty price. Here, the penalty price for the first DR resource may be calculated at a price closer to the general compensation price as the supply-demand ratio (SDR), calculated based on the amount of electricity sold and the total amount of electricity purchased, increases.

[0136] The compensation price for the above-mentioned second DR resource may be calculated at a price higher than the general compensation price. Here, the compensation price for the above-mentioned second DR resource may be calculated at a price closer to the general penalty price as the supply-demand ratio (SDR), calculated based on the amount of electricity sold and the total amount of electricity purchased, is lower.

[0137] The at least one command may further include a command to pay a compensation cost according to the compensation price to the second DR resource when the second DR resource performs demand response for the amount of electricity purchased from the first DR resource; and a command to impose a penalty cost according to the penalty price on the first DR resource.

[0138] The VPP operating device (100) may also include an input interface device (140), an output interface device (150), a storage device (560), etc. Each component included in the operating control device (100) may be connected by a bus (170) and communicate with each other.

[0139] Here, the processor (110) may refer to a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor on which methods according to embodiments of the present invention are performed. The memory (or storage device) may be composed of at least one of a volatile storage medium and a non-volatile storage medium. For example, the memory may be composed of at least one of a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM).

[0140] The operations of the method according to an embodiment of the present invention can be implemented as a computer-readable program or code on a computer-readable recording medium. A computer-readable recording medium includes any type of recording device that stores data readable by a computer system. Furthermore, a computer-readable recording medium can be distributed across network-connected computer systems, allowing the computer-readable program or code to be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

[0141] While some aspects of the present invention have been described in the context of a device, they may also represent a description of a corresponding method, wherein a block or device corresponds to a method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in the context of a method may also be described as a corresponding block or item or a feature of a corresponding device. Some or all of the method steps may be performed by (or using) a hardware device, such as, for example, a microprocessor, a programmable computer, or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, one or more of the most significant method steps may be performed by such a device.

[0142] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. A VPP operating device configured in a virtual power plant (VPP) system linked to multiple demand response (DR) resources. at least one processor; and A memory that stores at least one instruction to be executed through at least one processor, At least one of the above commands, A command to allocate a power reduction amount to each of the DR resources in response to a power reduction request; A command for providing information about the power to be sold to the remaining DR resources when a sale request for at least a portion of the allocated power reduction amount is received from a first DR resource among the above DR resources; and A VPP operating device, comprising a command for calculating a power transaction price, including at least one of a penalty price for the first DR resource and a compensation price for the second DR resource, based on a sales result, when one or more second DR resources that have purchased power for sale are confirmed.

2. In claim 1, The command to provide information about the above sales power to the remaining DR resources is: A VPP operating device, comprising a command to terminate the sales process and confirm the second DR resource when a predetermined time has elapsed or when all the sales power has been sold.

3. In claim 1, The command to calculate the above power transaction cost is: A command to calculate the supply-demand ratio (SDR) based on the amount of electricity sold and the total amount of electricity purchased by the second DR resource; and A VPP operating device comprising a command for calculating at least one of a penalty price for the first DR resource and a compensation price for the second DR resource based on the SDR.

4. In claim 3, The penalty price for the above first DR resource is: A VPP operating device that is calculated at a lower price the higher the above SDR.

5. In claim 3, The compensation price for the above 2nd DR resource is: A VPP operating device that is calculated at a higher price the lower the above SDR.

6. In claim 1, At least one of the above commands, An order to pay compensation costs according to a predefined general compensation price when the above DR resource performs demand response and reduces the amount of electricity allocated to it; and A VPP operating device further comprising a command to impose a penalty cost according to a predefined general penalty price higher than the general compensation price if the DR resource fails to reduce at least a portion of the power allocated to it.

7. In claim 6, The penalty price for the above first DR resource is: A VPP operating device that is calculated at a price below the above general penalty price.

8. In claim 7, The penalty price for the above first DR resource is: A VPP operating device that is calculated at a price closer to the general compensation price as the supply-demand ratio (SDR) calculated based on the amount of electricity sold and the total amount of electricity purchased is higher.

9. In claim 6, The compensation price for the above 2nd DR resource is: A VPP operating device that is calculated at a price higher than the above general compensation price.

10. In claim 9, The compensation price for the above 2nd DR resource is: A VPP operating device that is calculated at a price closer to the general penalty price as the supply-demand ratio (SDR) calculated based on the amount of electricity sold and the total amount of electricity purchased is lower.

11. In claim 1, At least one of the above commands, If the above second DR resource performs demand response for the amount of electricity purchased from the above first DR resource, An order to pay compensation costs according to the above compensation price to the second DR resource; and A VPP operating device further comprising a command for imposing a penalty cost according to the penalty price on the first DR resource.

12. A method of operating a virtual power plant (VPP) by means of a VPP operating device linked to multiple demand response (DR) resources, In response to a power reduction request, a step of allocating a power reduction amount to each of the DR resources; When a sale request for at least a portion of the allocated power reduction amount is received from a first DR resource among the above DR resources, a step of providing information about the sold power to the remaining DR resources; and A VPP operating method, comprising: when one or more second DR resources that have purchased power for sale are confirmed, calculating a power transaction price based on a sales result, the power transaction price including at least one of a penalty price for the first DR resource and a compensation price for the second DR resource.

13. In claim 12, The step of providing information about the above sales power to the remaining DR resources is: A VPP operating method comprising the step of terminating the sales procedure and confirming the second DR resource when a predetermined time has elapsed or when all the sales power has been sold.

14. In claim 12, The step of calculating the above electricity transaction cost is: A step of calculating the supply-demand ratio (SDR) based on the amount of electricity sold and the total amount of electricity purchased by the second DR resource; and A VPP operating method, comprising a step of calculating at least one of a penalty price for the first DR resource and a compensation price for the second DR resource based on the SDR.

15. In claim 14, The penalty price for the above first DR resource is: A VPP operation method in which the higher the SDR, the lower the price is calculated.

16. In claim 14, The compensation price for the above 2nd DR resource is: A VPP operation method in which the lower the SDR above, the higher the price is calculated.

17. In claim 12, When the above DR resource performs demand response and reduces the amount of power allocated to it, a step of paying compensation costs according to a predefined general compensation price; and A VPP operating method further comprising the step of imposing a penalty cost according to a predefined general penalty price higher than the general compensation price if the DR resource fails to reduce at least a portion of the power amount allocated to it.

18. In claim 17, The penalty price for the above first DR resource is: A VPP operating method calculated at a price below the above general penalty price.

19. In claim 18, The penalty price for the above first DR resource is: A VPP operating method in which the higher the supply-demand ratio (SDR) calculated based on the amount of electricity sold and the total amount of electricity purchased, the closer the price is to the general compensation price.

20. In claim 17, The compensation price for the above 2nd DR resource is: A VPP operating method calculated at a price higher than the above general compensation price.

21. In claim 20, The compensation price for the above 2nd DR resource is: A VPP operating method in which the lower the supply-demand ratio (SDR) calculated based on the amount of electricity sold and the total amount of electricity purchased, the closer the price is to the general penalty price.

22. In claim 12, If the above second DR resource performs demand response for the amount of electricity purchased from the above first DR resource, A step of paying compensation costs according to the above compensation price to the second DR resource; and A VPP operating method further comprising a step of imposing a penalty cost according to the penalty price on the first DR resource.

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