Periodic Reporting for period 1 - GEHEMS (GridEye agent-based distributed control for Home Energy Management System)
Période du rapport: 2021-05-01 au 2023-04-30
The overall objectives of the project were as follows.
a) proposing a distributed control approach for home energy management (HEM) in which each user is an agent that can manage the pattern of its electricity consumption by optimal household appliance scheduling (HAS) besides making decisions on its own available distributed generations (DGs), locally, with no need to know any data on other users in advance. The GEHEMS’s objectives were complemented by consideration of the benefits for all of the involved players, such as end-customers and electric utilities (including distribution system operators (DSOs), community system operators (CSOs), and smart grid technology vendor companies (SGTVCs)); and
b) to enhance the skills and career opportunities of the experienced researcher (ER).
Both of the objectives have been achieved successfully. The project developed a grid-aware home energy management system (HEMS) by introducing a novel four-level architecture. The proposed architecture is based on the grid monitoring data and contribution of end-customers' controllable resources and appliances which allows grid operators to operate the grid safely and motivates end-customers for effective participation in active distribution networks (ADNs). Accurate and synchronized grid monitoring data was provided by real installations of the host’s GridEye devices. Furthermore, intensive career development activities and two-way transfer of knowledge have opened many doors of opportunities as the next professional step for the ER. The success of these objectives is evidenced by publications on the topic and the ER securing a senior engineer position in an electricity utility.
The project has met the deliverables including the Data Management Plan, Ethics requirements (Protection of Personal Data and Non-European Country) within their deadlines as part of Continuous reporting; and all the technical milestones.
The algorithms have enormous scientific value regarding the importance of grid monitoring and control, which have been demonstrated in the project. The results have significant potential to be exploited through i) implementation on the GridEye platform as an application module and ii) commercialization as a product.
a) proposing a distributed control approach for home energy management (HEM) in which each user is an agent that can manage the pattern of its electricity consumption by optimal household appliance scheduling (HAS) besides making decisions on its own available distributed generations (DGs), locally, with no need to know any data on other users in advance. The GEHEMS’s objectives were complemented by consideration of the benefits for all of the involved players, such as end-customers and electric utilities (including distribution system operators (DSOs), community system operators (CSOs), and smart grid technology vendor companies (SGTVCs)); and
b) to enhance the skills and career opportunities of the experienced researcher (ER).
Both of the objectives have been achieved successfully. The project developed a grid-aware home energy management system (HEMS) by introducing a novel four-level architecture. The proposed architecture is based on the grid monitoring data and contribution of end-customers' controllable resources and appliances which allows grid operators to operate the grid safely and motivates end-customers for effective participation in active distribution networks (ADNs). Accurate and synchronized grid monitoring data was provided by real installations of the host’s GridEye devices. Furthermore, intensive career development activities and two-way transfer of knowledge have opened many doors of opportunities as the next professional step for the ER. The success of these objectives is evidenced by publications on the topic and the ER securing a senior engineer position in an electricity utility.
The project has met the deliverables including the Data Management Plan, Ethics requirements (Protection of Personal Data and Non-European Country) within their deadlines as part of Continuous reporting; and all the technical milestones.
The algorithms have enormous scientific value regarding the importance of grid monitoring and control, which have been demonstrated in the project. The results have significant potential to be exploited through i) implementation on the GridEye platform as an application module and ii) commercialization as a product.
Explanation of the work carried out per WP (Work Package):
In the following, the progress of each work package WP1-WP7 is described according to the work plan.
WP1 – Organization and management: The management of the project has been carried out successfully with no considerable difficulties. The ER was the main coordinator of the project with limited involvement from the supervisor. The deliverables in regard to continuous reporting – reports of Data Management Plan, Protection of Personal Data, and Non-European Country – were successfully completed on time.
WP2 – Training activities: This work package contains all training activities and career development actions performed during the fellowship. The ER successfully met his targets in terms of publications, development of skills across multiple disciplines, development of knowledge in R&D projects and product of the host, collaboration, and coordination with the different teams of depsys, and integration into the work culture of the company. He successfully prepared and secured a satisfactory position as the next career step.
WP3 – Architecture of GEHEMS: The objective of this WP was to propose a practical architecture for home energy management using data measured by grid monitoring devices, such as GridEye. The WP was able to achieve this objective by proposing a four-level grid-monitoring-based architecture consisting of level 1) remote energy management server (REMS), level 2) home server (HS), level 3) home box (HBox), and level 4) controllable appliances and resources. The structure of the proposed four-level architecture with grid monitoring devices’ participation for ADNs is shown in Fig. 1.
WP4 – Low-level control approach: The objective of this WP was to develop a low-level control model (an algorithm) for HEM considering data measured by grid monitoring devices at different LV nodes.
WP5 – High-level control approach: This work package has been devoted to REMS and its internal algorithms as a high-level hierarchical control. Its structure is shown in Fig. 2.
WP6 – Simulation studies: This WP covers the implementation of the algorithms of WP4 and WP5 with the GridEye accurate and synchronized data. The measurement data considered are voltages, line currents, and active and reactive powers taken from existing installations of depsys’s customers. GridEye devices are installed on the LV side of the secondary substations (MV/LV transformers) and the LV street cabinets. Besides, the devices provide estimated measurements of voltage, current, and active and reactive powers for the MV side of the MV/LV transformers.
WP7 – Communication and dissemination: The research outcomes of WP3 and WP4 were published at a renowned conference (CIRED). The results of WP5 will be submitted to a top journal in the field of the power system (IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid). The list of publications is given below. It is worth noting the ER has led all the research activities of these publications, which shows his capacity to conduct independent research.
In the following, the progress of each work package WP1-WP7 is described according to the work plan.
WP1 – Organization and management: The management of the project has been carried out successfully with no considerable difficulties. The ER was the main coordinator of the project with limited involvement from the supervisor. The deliverables in regard to continuous reporting – reports of Data Management Plan, Protection of Personal Data, and Non-European Country – were successfully completed on time.
WP2 – Training activities: This work package contains all training activities and career development actions performed during the fellowship. The ER successfully met his targets in terms of publications, development of skills across multiple disciplines, development of knowledge in R&D projects and product of the host, collaboration, and coordination with the different teams of depsys, and integration into the work culture of the company. He successfully prepared and secured a satisfactory position as the next career step.
WP3 – Architecture of GEHEMS: The objective of this WP was to propose a practical architecture for home energy management using data measured by grid monitoring devices, such as GridEye. The WP was able to achieve this objective by proposing a four-level grid-monitoring-based architecture consisting of level 1) remote energy management server (REMS), level 2) home server (HS), level 3) home box (HBox), and level 4) controllable appliances and resources. The structure of the proposed four-level architecture with grid monitoring devices’ participation for ADNs is shown in Fig. 1.
WP4 – Low-level control approach: The objective of this WP was to develop a low-level control model (an algorithm) for HEM considering data measured by grid monitoring devices at different LV nodes.
WP5 – High-level control approach: This work package has been devoted to REMS and its internal algorithms as a high-level hierarchical control. Its structure is shown in Fig. 2.
WP6 – Simulation studies: This WP covers the implementation of the algorithms of WP4 and WP5 with the GridEye accurate and synchronized data. The measurement data considered are voltages, line currents, and active and reactive powers taken from existing installations of depsys’s customers. GridEye devices are installed on the LV side of the secondary substations (MV/LV transformers) and the LV street cabinets. Besides, the devices provide estimated measurements of voltage, current, and active and reactive powers for the MV side of the MV/LV transformers.
WP7 – Communication and dissemination: The research outcomes of WP3 and WP4 were published at a renowned conference (CIRED). The results of WP5 will be submitted to a top journal in the field of the power system (IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid). The list of publications is given below. It is worth noting the ER has led all the research activities of these publications, which shows his capacity to conduct independent research.
Impact on ER’s career: The project has given the opportunity to ER to add new skills and competencies. All these skills gained have enabled the ER to secure a position and pursue a career as a senior engineer in an electricity utility.
Market opportunities and product competitiveness: The objectives of the project are in line with the electricity industry requirements in terms of improved resource management, grid security, and enabling increased renewable energy capacity penetration. The project outcomes will create new market opportunities for the host and its product.
European policy-making: The outcomes of the project will help the DSO to enable the transition from a passive to a decarbonized, decentralized, and digitalized system. These will help achieve the targets set out by the EU for the reduction of carbon emissions in the electricity sector. Therefore, the outcomes are in line with the European policy objectives and will have a further impact on European strategy and policymaking.
Potential users: The methodologies or tools are based on real distribution grid data. All the methodologies developed in this project are measurement-based that removing the need for up-to-date and accurate information on LV grid topology and parameters. Moreover, the provision and the activation of home energy management systems are pivotal for the distribution grid operators in their journey toward a digitalized, decentralized, and decarbonized system. Hence, the DSOs would require more support or services from technology companies like depsys. The solutions provided in the project address the current challenges faced by the DSOs and can be potentially used or deployed by them.
Market opportunities and product competitiveness: The objectives of the project are in line with the electricity industry requirements in terms of improved resource management, grid security, and enabling increased renewable energy capacity penetration. The project outcomes will create new market opportunities for the host and its product.
European policy-making: The outcomes of the project will help the DSO to enable the transition from a passive to a decarbonized, decentralized, and digitalized system. These will help achieve the targets set out by the EU for the reduction of carbon emissions in the electricity sector. Therefore, the outcomes are in line with the European policy objectives and will have a further impact on European strategy and policymaking.
Potential users: The methodologies or tools are based on real distribution grid data. All the methodologies developed in this project are measurement-based that removing the need for up-to-date and accurate information on LV grid topology and parameters. Moreover, the provision and the activation of home energy management systems are pivotal for the distribution grid operators in their journey toward a digitalized, decentralized, and decarbonized system. Hence, the DSOs would require more support or services from technology companies like depsys. The solutions provided in the project address the current challenges faced by the DSOs and can be potentially used or deployed by them.