Internet of Energy—The practical path from smart grid to energy Internet of Things

Smart grid + high-speed information communication is the current development trend of the power grid. This digital trend has promoted the transformation of the entire power grid to digitalization and automation, enabling power grid companies to use and manage more and more complex renewable energy. However, complex communication protocols and software architectures still limit relevant practitioners from fully enjoying the benefits of this digitalization.

Cloud Platform - The Foundation of Energy IoT

A cloud computing-based smart platform may be a solution to this problem. The cloud platform can meet the computing needs and data storage needs of power IoT-related applications, and can also develop grid-related applications based on the cloud. A cloud computing-based smart platform will be the key to realizing the entire energy IoT ecosystem.

In the Internet of Energy (IoE), all energy infrastructure such as generators, loads, energy storage equipment, meters, and automatic distribution equipment are connected together. IoE collects information from these devices for processing, but collecting large amounts of information and analyzing them is very time-consuming. As the number of devices and the amount of information in the distribution network increase, traditional SCADA communication and application management limit information sharing across programs, which limits the possibility of creating more value based on data.

Cutting-edge cloud computing technology and secure communication networks between devices can solve the problems caused by the increase in data volume. Data will be shared in the cloud and used by cloud-based applications. The cloud platform will become a data lake for different applications. This can eliminate the need to integrate various services between applications. Smart energy management systems will keep the grid stable by balancing the power produced by all sources and all power consumption.

In addition, IoE also allows electricity consumers and producers and sellers to autonomously coordinate the balance of supply and demand. Of course, many smart devices and smart prediction systems, such as weather forecasts, are the prerequisites for realizing this function.

Our solution

The rapid growth and expansion of IoE will depend on how we integrate cloud computing into energy systems, and of course whether we are willing to allow more participants to participate in the operation of future power grids. Siemens is working hard in this direction. They launched the MindSphere cloud platform, which integrates power grids and various users together to analyze and manage the power grid in a collaborative manner.

There are many advanced applications in this platform, such as meter data management, power grid analysis, substation equipment management, distributed energy management system, and low-voltage power outage management system. Through encrypted and secure data communication, real objects can be quickly and easily connected to the digital world. The power grid can be more efficient and sustainable than ever before.

For example, a high-level application of how to view IoE in detail is meter data management. This high-level application automates smart meter data management and related business processes and runs on the IoE cloud over time. Through the digital platform, this information becomes more valuable, enabling utilities to better meet the long-term needs of themselves and their customers, such as billing from meter to cash. Through IoE, utilities will be able to manage and operate all processes and data acquisition systems related to smart devices; communicate with all grid equipment and receive fault information notifications when problems occur; use data to optimize maintenance and outage plans for staff; and manage new feed-in points such as user-side solar and electric vehicles.

At the substation level, cloud-based applications can automate asset inventory lists; compare actual values ​​of patch versions and protection settings with target values; and enable operators to perform advanced services such as remote support and security patch management. IoE will allow substations to separate the information flow of control functions and asset management information by level, which can then be analyzed and proactively intervene or take other actions based on the analysis results in real time. Authorized personnel in utility companies can also access relevant information to take appropriate measures. IoE will also help virtual power plants. Using advanced distributed energy management technology, operators can use data for load forecasting of renewable energy, integrate more renewable energy economically and efficiently, and avoid ineffective expansion of the power grid, thereby accurately planning energy market resources.

However, there are still many challenges to realize the specific applications of IoE mentioned above, such as data security. In particular, the sensitivity of power data makes data security a more demanding point for the power Internet of Things. For example, the power Internet of Things still lacks sufficient talents in the field of Internet of Things.

Of course, despite the many challenges, it is only a matter of time before IoT technology enters the energy sector on a large scale. It is undeniable that IoT technology is not a completely immature technology, but how to use it is not an easy question to answer. We believe that as the power grid develops further in the future, digitalization is clearly a key factor for the energy industry to remain competitive in an increasingly interconnected world.