Integration of cogeneration systems into smart grids

Much of the energy generated today is produced by centralized power plants using fossil fuels, hydropower or nuclear power, with energy being transmitted and distributed over long distances to the consumers. The electricity networks of the future will have to accommodate large scale distributed generation including renewable energy sources and residential micro-generation. Therefore solutions must be developed to allow efficient and secure system operation of future grids with significant intermittent generation. Moreover an active demand side management must be realized enabling all consumers, with or without their own generation, to play an active role in the operation of the system. In the context of these demands, three pilot plants will be tested within an experimental virtual plant depictured in figure 1. These decentralized CHP plants can be integrated into the electricity market and into the energy management of a future power supply system.