Systems Engineering for Assessment of Virtual Power System Implementations

Abstract

Abstract. In this work we present an adoption of systems engineering methodology for design and assessment of a Virtual Power System (VPS). The VPS has been defined as an aggregation of distributed energy resources, consumers and storages which can operate autonomously, and is presented to the power system as a single unit in technical and commercial terms. The complexity of these critical systems is tackled by means of systems engineering. We have applied our approach in scope of a research project AlpEnergy.Keywords: systems engineering, modeling, SysML, VPS; assessment. Introduction and BackgroundIn the present work based on achieved results in the course of the international AlpEnergy project we provide description of a methodology used for design, implementation and assessment of Virtual Power System (VPS). VPS integrates, manages and controls distributed energy generators, electrical vehicles (and other controllable loads) and storage capacities and links their technical operation to the demand of consumers and the energy market. Detailed VPS description providing basic definitions and explanation of the concept is presented in [12,14]. One of the main challenges of the project is considered to be tackling of multidisciplinary nature of VPS concept and developing of a model of the supporting ICT structures which are crucial to critical infrastructures. Moreover, an evaluation strategy for pilot implementations was supposed to be developed. To cope with the challenge we have adopted systems engineering methodology already proven as a very efficient instrument to tackle complexity of different heterogeneous systems and different technical backgrounds of stakeholders [8]. The methodology is based on instruments provided by SysML modeling language -widely accepted UML profile for modeling of complex heterogeneous systems. The methodology is presented in details in [1], [13] while similar approach is also applied in [3]. In this work we focus on assessment of different project implementations showing how proposed methodology can be used for that purpose.VPS concept supposes a flexible structure that embraces widest set of technical and commercial issues. Furthermore, VPS model has to absorb all the changes and adaptations in the system and its environment and for that reason has to be constantly