Aggregated distributed energy resources combine multiple small-scale generation and storage systems under coordinated control to provide grid-level services. Aggregation platforms pool resources from 100 to 10,000 individual sites, enabling participation in wholesale markets and utility programs. Aggregated capacity ranges from 5 MW to 100 MW depending on geographic concentration and resource diversity.
Technical Details
Aggregation requires advanced metering infrastructure, real-time communication networks, and centralized dispatch software. Individual systems connect through standardized interfaces supporting OpenADR and similar protocols. Aggregators monitor performance metrics including response time under 30 seconds, availability above 95%, and accuracy within 5% of dispatched values. Battery systems must sustain 200 to 500 dispatch cycles annually without performance degradation.
Practical Significance
Aggregated DER provides utilities cost-effective alternatives to traditional peaker plants for managing peak demand periods. Participants earn $1,000 to $5,000 annually through capacity payments and performance incentives. Aggregation reduces individual site integration costs by 40% to 50% through shared infrastructure and monitoring systems. Market barriers include regulatory barriers, interconnection delays, and settlement complexity in emerging markets.