Edge Gateway Virtualization for Distributed Energy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current distributed energy systems face limitations due to high costs, lack of harmonized grid inter-connection standards, and inadequate control mechanisms, which hinder the effective integration and management of alternative energy sources and storage devices with the utility grid.
Innovation Solution
A distributed energy services management system that includes an edge gateway with a programming platform for dynamic control of connected devices, using a data communications interface like CAN bus or Web services, allowing for sophisticated command and control, resource allocation, and virtualization to optimize energy storage and generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If distributed energy sources and storage devices are integrated with the utility grid, then energy reliability and renewable energy utilization are improved, but system complexity and cost increase due to lack of harmonized standards and inadequate control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The edge gateway is designed with a programming platform that can interface with multiple types of distributed energy sources (solar panels, micro-turbines, wind turbines, fuel cells) and storage devices through various data communications interfaces (CAN bus, Web services, ModBus). This universal design allows the single gateway to manage diverse energy systems without requiring separate control mechanisms for each device type, thereby improving energy reliability while controlling system complexity through standardization.
2Productivity
If advanced control mechanisms are implemented for managing distributed energy resources, then energy management efficiency and economic optimization are improved, but device complexity and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The programming platform on the edge gateway enables automated control of distributed energy resources based on economic interests and energy prices. The system can autonomously make decisions about when to buy or sell energy, when to charge or discharge storage devices, and how to allocate energy to different loads, without requiring complex manual intervention or centralized control. This self-service capability improves energy management efficiency while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple by leveraging automated algorithms and market signals.
3Productivity
If real-time monitoring and control of energy resources is implemented, then energy optimization and economic benefits are improved, but loss of time for data processing and communication increases
Solution Approach 1:
The edge gateway collects and processes energy data, and pre-configures control parameters and economic thresholds in advance. By preparing control strategies beforehand based on predicted energy prices and load patterns, the system can execute real-time optimization decisions without extensive data processing delays. The programming platform allows pre-programming of control logic that automatically triggers based on predefined conditions, thus achieving real-time energy optimization while minimizing data processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for distributed energy services management are disclosed. A particular embodiment includes: receiving an input command via a network interface at a site gateway, the input command including information for controlling one or more physical devices at a site; converting, by use of a data processor, the input command to a virtualized command in a common command format; executing, by use of the data processor, one or more executor modules to cause execution of one or more corresponding virtual devices associated with the virtualized command; and using the executed one or more virtual devices to control the corresponding one or more physical devices at the site.