Technical deployment of aggregator business models

F. Martín, J. Boal, A. Sánchez, C. Becker Robles, R. Rodríguez-Vilches

Heliyon Vol. 10, nº. 9, pp. e30101-1 - e30101-20

Summary:

The proliferation of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) is paving the way for new energy-efficient services that aim to make end-users more active. According to the literature, these services will be managed by a central figure, aggregators. This paper proposes several business models to accommodate them in the electric power industry. Several potential alternatives are identified from the study of different design elements, such as the control strategy, architecture, and signals that need to be exchanged. These alternatives are then tested by analyzing pairwise relationships between all the actors involved (Aggregator-Prosumers, Aggregator-DSO, and Aggregator-TSO). Every business model is first explained individually, including how contracts would operate, in order to determine their advantages and drawbacks. Finally, a comparison of all the alternatives is put forward together with an overview of the main initiatives that have already been implemented.

Spanish layman's summary:

Este estudio investiga cómo los recursos energéticos distribuidos están dando lugar a nuevos servicios, implicando más a los usuarios finales a través de entidades llamadas agregadores. Se proponen diversos modelos de negocio para integrar estos agregadores en el mercado eléctrico, considerando estrategias de control, arquitectura y comunicación entre los actores clave (agregadores, generadores/consumidores, operadores de red). Cada modelo se evalúa en términos de ventajas, desventajas y contratos potenciales, comparando las alternativas y revisando iniciativas implementadas actualmente.

English layman's summary:

This study explores how distributed energy resources enable new services by involving more end-users through aggregators. It proposes business models to integrate aggregators into the electricity market, considering control strategies, architecture, and communication among key actors. Models are evaluated for advantages, disadvantages, and potential contracts, comparing alternatives and reviewing current initiatives.

Keywords: Aggregator; Business model; Design elements; Flexibility

JCR Impact Factor and WoS quartile: 3,400 - Q1 (2023)

DOI reference: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30101

Published on paper: May 2024.

Published on-line: April 2024.

Citation:
F. Martín, J. Boal, A. Sánchez, C. Becker Robles, R. Rodríguez-Vilches, Technical deployment of aggregator business models. Heliyon. Vol. 10, nº. 9, pp. e30101-1 - e30101-20, May 2024. [Online: April 2024]