Performance and Security Evaluation of Virtual Islands as a Service for Active Distribution Networks

Andrea Bonfiglio, Sergio Bruno (), Francesco Lorusso, Maria Martino, Manuela Minetti and Angelo Velini
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Andrea Bonfiglio: Department of Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunications Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy
Sergio Bruno: Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, Politecnico di Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
Francesco Lorusso: Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, Politecnico di Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
Maria Martino: Department of Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunications Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy
Manuela Minetti: Department of Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunications Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy
Angelo Velini: Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, Politecnico di Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 22, 1-19

Abstract: This article presents and discusses the role of the Virtual Islanding (VI) control strategy in decentralizing flexibility services for distribution networks (DNs). VI services are provided by Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) through a suitable coordination of available local flexible resources. The impact of the proposed VI service is assessed by investigating its ability in mitigating security violations during DN operations. The VI service’s efficacy is tested considering the model of a realistically sized DN and developing a scenario of a high-RES penetration scenario, as foreseen by the Italian Energy Plan (PNIEC). The robustness of the approach was challenged applying a randomized association of flexible resources to the RECs. The aim is to prove that VI can substantially support DN operations, regardless the distribution of flexible resources among feeders and energy communities. To make a comparison with an ideal centralized control made by the Distribution System Operator, a Distribution Optimal Power Flow (OPF) formulation is also developed. The simulations are performed in a Python (v. 3.12.7)/OpenDSS (v. 9.6.1.1) open-source programming environment.

Keywords: renewable energy communities; distribution system operation; virtual islanding; grid services; energy transition (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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