Evolution of Virtual Power Plant Paradigms for Enhancing Distribution Network Hosting Capacity: International Frontiers and Chinese Pathways

doi:10.16513/j.2096-2185.DE.26110098

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Distributed Energy ›› 0 DOI: 10.16513/j.2096-2185.DE.26110098

Evolution of Virtual Power Plant Paradigms for Enhancing Distribution Network Hosting Capacity: International Frontiers and Chinese Pathways

LIAN Junhao1, HUANG Yuxiang1,2, CHEN Haoyong1*#br#

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Abstract

The large-scale integration of distributed photovoltaics and emerging loads has made the insufficient hosting capacity of distribution networks a key physical bottleneck restricting the development of new-type power systems. Existing research on virtual power plants (VPPs) mostly focuses on commercial aggregation and optimal dispatch, lacking a systematic exploration of active support mechanisms for the underlying operational constraints of distribution networks. Stepping out of the single resource aggregation perspective, this paper proposes a fourstage evolutionary analysis framework for VPPs oriented towards enhancing distribution network hosting capacity, and systematically reviews international frontier practices from VPP 1.0 (aggregation arbitrage) to VPP 4.0 (hierarchical autonomy). Specifically, VPP 2.0 relies on the local autonomous control of smart inverters to mitigate voltage violations, effectively enhancing the static hosting capacity of distribution networks; VPP 3.0 introduces the Dynamic Operating Envelopes (DOEs) mechanism to decouple physical constraints from market optimization, deeply unlocking the spatiotemporal dynamic flexibility of the system; VPP 4.0 utilizes Cellular Energy Systems and distributed collaborative algorithms to address the scalability bottleneck under the integration of hundreds of millions of nodes. On this basis, considering China's practical national conditions—specifically the management system based on secondary substation areas (transformer service areas) and the massive scale of legacy non-smart assets—this paper proposes a three-stage localized evolution pathway encompassing physical capability upgrades, physical-market decoupling, and cellular autonomy at the secondary substation level. This research provides theoretical references and engineering guidelines for the transformation of VPPs in China from pure commercial aggregators to technical aggregators equipped with physical support capabilities for distribution networks.

Key words

Virtual Power Plant (VPP) / distribution network hosting capacity / paradigm evolution / Dynamic Operating Envelopes (DOEs) / Cellular Energy Systems (CES) / new-type distribution system

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LIAN Junhao1, HUANG Yuxiang1, 2, CHEN Haoyong1. Evolution of Virtual Power Plant Paradigms for Enhancing Distribution Network Hosting Capacity: International Frontiers and Chinese Pathways[J]. Distributed Energy, 0 https://doi.org/10.16513/j.2096-2185.DE.26110098.

Funding

National Key Research and Development Program of China (No. 2022YFB2403500) and Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (No. XHJH202512)