Abstract
This paper shows an experimental application case to convert a part of the grid formed by renewable generation sources, storage systems, and loads into a smart microgrid. This transformation will achieve greater efficiency and autonomy in its management. If we add to this the analysis of all the data that has been recorded and the correct management of the energy produced and stored, we can achieve a reduction in the electricity consumption of the distribution grid and, with this, a reduction in the associated bill. To achieve this transformation in the grid, we must provide it with intelligence. To achieve this, a four steps procedure are proposed: identification and description of the elements, integration of the elements in the same data network, establishing communication between the elements and the control system, creating an interface that allows control of the entire network. The microgrid of CEDER-CIEMAT (Renewable Energy Centre in Soria, Spain) is presented as a real case study. This centre is made up of various sources of generation, storage, and consumption. All the elements that make up the microgrid are incorporated into free software, Home Assistant, allowing real-time control and monitoring of all of them thanks to the intelligence that has been provided to the grid. The novelty of this paper is that it describes a procedure that is not reported in the current literature and that, being developed with Home Assistant, is free and allows the control and management of a microgrid from any device (mobile, PC) and from any place, even though not on the same data network as the microgrid.
Highlights
Energy has become a key factor in the development of our lives, leading to an increase in energy needs at a global level, presenting a challenge for the supply of the traditional electricity system
The procedure described in this paper has already been implemented in practice, being the main objective of this work to present the procedure followed at CEDER to convert a grid section with renewable generation sources and different storage systems and loads into a smart microgrid
Home Assistant has been the software of choice mainly for three reasons that make it stand out from the other options: it does not require a license fee to use any of the levels offered by the program, which reduces the overall cost of installation and control of the microgrid [25,26]; it can be configured and edited at any time, without dependence on the company that developed it; and any generation, storage, or load system can be registered without any limitation, making it very suitable for this case study
Summary
Energy has become a key factor in the development of our lives, leading to an increase in energy needs at a global level, presenting a challenge for the supply of the traditional electricity system. Another option is the smartgrid, a newer concept than microgrid but increasingly implemented due to the advantages it offers It can be defined as a microgrid that has been equipped with an intelligent communications infrastructure, allowing it to operate and act semi-autonomously and/or autonomously on all the elements that make up the microgrid. This management method improves reliability, safety, and efficiency. The procedure described in this paper has already been implemented in practice, being the main objective of this work to present the procedure followed at CEDER to convert a grid section with renewable generation sources and different storage systems and loads into a smart microgrid.
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