Optimal operation of small, numerous, and disparate DERs via aggregation in transactive distribution systems with universal metering

Abstract Transactive energy distribution systems (TEDS) have unleashed new economic opportunities in the distribution sector via a new local distribution operator (LDO) that enables transactions between peers and the LDO (P2LDO) and peer‐to‐peer transactions. Aiming to unleash full benefits from existing distributed energy resources (DERs), this paper introduces an optimization algorithm for the operation of small, numerous, and disparate DER aggregations. The proposed algorithm seeks to maximize aggregator profits obtained via P2LDO and peer‐to‐peer transactions for energy and demand response, while being cognizant of capacity obligations acquired during transactive energy distribution system planning phases. In addition, the concept of universal metering is introduced to upgrade the economic opportunity of DERs. Results obtained via case studies show that the proposed approach can help DER owners to increase their revenue. An aggregated case study for 300 m shows that the overall revenue can be increased by more than 100% when operating DERs in an aggregated fashion