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The generic design of VPP was set out in reference [1] and consists of a number modules including communications, accounting, forecasting, scheduling, bidding and risk management etc. (See Figure 1 adapted from ref [1]). For more sophisticated business models requiring interfaces with many markets and sites, much of the functionality shown in Figure 1 would be required. Note only some of these functions may be required in simpler business models.
[1] S. You, C. Træholt, and B. Poulsen, "Generic Virtual Power Plants: Management of distributed energy resources under liberalized electricity market," in 8th International Conference on Advances in Power System Control, Operation and Management (APSCOM 2009), 2009, pp. 1-6.