Standard-based service-oriented infrastructure to integrate intelligent buildings in distributed generation and smart grids

Abstract

Buildings are ecosystems that influence and are influenced by internal and external factors concerning both Distributed Generation (DG) and Distributed Energy Systems (DES). Existing communication and integration standards, tools and platforms for buildings and power systems still show several limitations in terms of data integration and correlation, applicability and vendor independence. These are required to support adequate online forecasting, management and decision, in the context of DG and DES. To overcome this drawbacks a holistic view is necessary, combining streamed (real-time) and asynchronous data communication of relevant sources of information influencing both the building and the distributed energy system, such as weather, occupancy, energy system characteristics and associated devices, among others. This work proposes a communication infrastructure supported by communication standards and by a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA). This Standard-based Service-oriented Infrastructure (SSI) addresses the communication between buildings and power system management tools and each of the building systems, devices and sources of information. Open communication standards are used, such as IEC 61850 and Device Profile for Web Services (DPWS). The SSI becomes an interoperability enabler regarding complex systems’ management where occupants and energy production, distribution and consumption are considered, thus encouraging the development of Plug and Play and vendor independent operation.