Electrical energy management in unbalanced distribution networks using virtual power plant concept

•The paper integrates different optimization algorithms based on modification of big bang big crunch method for VPP concept.•The objective to manage electrical energy in unbalanced distribution networks to minimize purchased energy from the grid.•This is achieved by optimal placement of DGs, optimal scheduling of controllable loads and optimal operation of ESEs.

This paper integrates different developed optimization algorithms based on modification of the big bang big crunch method for virtual power plant realization. The proposed algorithms aim to manage the electrical energy in unbalanced distribution networks in order to minimize the purchased energy from the grid. This goal is achieved through the optimal placement of renewable based distributed generators, optimal scheduling of the controllable loads and optimal operation of energy storage elements. The proposed algorithms are implemented in MATLAB environment and tested on the IEEE 37-node feeder. The results show great reduction in the purchased energy from the grid and the subsequent discussions emphasize the significance of using the virtual power plant concept in managing the electrical energy.