Energy Load Optimisation for Grid

Optimising the energy load in a smart grid, also known as load management, is a complex process based on the intelligent control of energy consumption and generation.

Here are the most important steps:

– Data collection: smart grids use sensors and smart meters to collect data on current energy consumption and generation in real time.

– Analysis and forecasting: This data is then analysed to identify patterns and make forecasts about future peak loads.

– Load shifting: A key element of load optimisation is load shifting or “demand response”. This is an attempt to reduce energy consumption at times of high network load and shift it to times of low load instead. This can be achieved through incentives such as time-variable electricity tariffs or through automated control systems that operate appliances at times of low load.

– Integration of renewable energy: smart grids can integrate renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy and balance their volatile nature through predictive algorithms and energy storage. In this way, renewable energy can be used more efficiently and the grid load reduced.

– Energy efficiency: smart grids also promote energy efficiency through real-time feedback to consumers and optimised control of appliances and systems. This can help to reduce unnecessary energy consumption and increase the

Grid Transformation

Grid transformation takes place in three stages:

– electricity is drawn from the grid (Traditional Grid): In this traditional model, electricity is generated by large, centralised power plants – often using fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas. This electricity is then distributed through a network of high-voltage lines and ultimately transported to end users. At this stage, there is a unidirectional flow of energy from the power plant to the consumer, and the consumer is almost exclusively an energy buyer.

– electricity is both drawn and fed into the grid (transition to smart grids): With the proliferation of renewable energy, many households and businesses are starting to generate their own energy – typically with solar panels or wind turbines. Surplus energy that is not immediately consumed can be fed into the grid. In this phase, the grid becomes increasingly bidirectional, with electricity flowing both to and from consumers. This transformation is supported by technologies such as smart meters and energy storage, which enable the generation and consumption of energy to be more effectively controlled and managed.

– energy communities emerge (decentralised and interconnected smart grid): In the final phase of the transformation, energy communities or microgrids emerge in which groups of consumers and producers of renewable energy produce, share and trade energy together. This can happen within a housing estate, a neighbourhood or even on a regional level. These energy communities can often function independently and interact with the main grid when needed. At this stage, energy distribution becomes increasingly decentralised and democratised, and consumers can become active participants in the energy system.
This grid transformation is enabled and supported by technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain and artificial intelligence, which enable efficient and secure communication and transaction of energy within the community. It enables a more flexible, resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure.

Smart Grid communication protocols

For smart grid technologies, there are several communication protocols that are used. Here are some of them:

– IEC 61850: This standard was developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for communication in smart grids. It is used in particular for the exchange of information in substations and switchgear.

– DNP3 (Distributed Network Protocol): DNP3 is a communication protocol mainly used in power grid automation. It provides robust and secure communication between components in SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems.

– OpenADR (Open Automated Demand Response): This is a protocol for demand response applications that allows load shifting strategies to be coordinated and automated to improve energy efficiency.

Communication between Ampi-Cloud and network operator

1) Data collection: The Ampi-Box is installed in businesses or households and starts collecting data from various devices and sensors within these units. This information can include energy consumption, device status, grid load and energy production.

2) Data transmission to the Ampi Cloud: This collected data is sent from each Ampi Box to the centralised Ampi Cloud. The Ampi Cloud aggregates and analyses this information from multiple Ampi Boxes from different farms or households.

3) Information forwarding to the grid operator: After the analysis and aggregation of the data, the Ampi Cloud forwards the relevant information to the grid operator. This data can help the grid operator better understand the current status of the grid and predict future grid loads.

4) Feedback from the grid operator: Based on the available resources, the current grid load and other factors, the grid operator makes decisions and sends this information back to the Ampi Cloud. This feedback could include adjusted tariffs and load control recommendations.

5) Distribution of information by the Ampi-Cloud: After receiving the information from the grid operator, the Ampi-Cloud distributes this information to the individual Ampi-Boxes in the households and businesses.

6) Control by the Ampi-Box: Based on the information received from the Ampi-Cloud, the Ampi-Box controls the individual devices within the household or business accordingly. This could mean, for example, switching charging stations or heat pumps on or off at certain times or during certain grid conditions.

Through this process, the system enables more efficient use of energy, better load balancing and improved integration of renewable energies and other decentralised energy sources. It improves communication and coordination between consumers, energy producers and grid operators and contributes to a stable and sustainable energy system.

Energy Load Optimisation for Grid

Grid Transformation

Smart Grid communication protocols

Communication between Ampi-Cloud and network operator

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