A Review and Prospective Study on Modeling Approaches and Applications of Virtual Energy Storage in Integrated Electric-Thermal Energy Systems

The increasing use of renewable energy sources introduces significant fluctuations in power generation, demanding enhanced regulatory capabilities to maintain the balance between power supply and demand. To promote multi-energy coupling and the local consumption of renewable energy, integrated energy systems have become a focal point of multidisciplinary research. This study models adjustable sources, networks, and loads within electric-thermal integrated energy systems as energy storage entities, forming virtual energy storage systems to participate in the optimization and scheduling of integrated energy systems. This paper investigates the modeling and control strategies of virtual energy storage systems within electric-thermal integrated energy systems. Initially, it introduces the definition, logical architecture, and technical connotations of virtual energy storage. Next, it models temperature-controlled loads as virtual energy storage systems and compares them with traditional energy storage systems, analyzing their characteristic differences and summarizing virtual energy storage system modeling methods and characteristic indicators. This paper then focuses on the specific applications of virtual energy storage systems in four typical scenarios. Finally, it explores the future development directions of virtual energy storage.