Plug and play in the smart grid

As the penetration of renewable energy resources increases in distribution networks, so does the need to be able to manage these resources in an effective manner. Since these resources are installed to displace carbon-based generation and to provide an income stream to the resource owner, it is important that both installation objectives (as a minimum) can be met. With all of these renewable energy resources available, the opportunity also exists to assist with the energy management of this resource-rich power distribution network. However, the renewable energy resources do not produce power in a deterministic manner; the available production depends on the time of day and many other environmental factors.