Flexible and Scalable Local Controller for a Micro Grid Home in the e-GOTHAM Project

Abstract

Recent trends towards a smart grid implementation pursuits the reduction of consumption peaks, amongst other effects. A flexible and scalable Micro Grid solution breaks this problem into parts by localizing the solutions. The control over the reaction to consumption peaks is partly shifted towards the local Controller.\\ This report introduces a design of a localized home Controller within the e-GOTHAM framework. It attempts to construct a flexible, scalable and customizable Controller that uses consumption data and different incentives to schedule Utilities. \\ The proposed design splits the specified requirements into a direct controller for each Utility and an optimisation section. The optimisation creates a ranking for utilities using the provided incentives. The two parts are connected via few straight forward communication methods. The division of functionalities ensures flexibility in the implementation of optimisation algorithms and Utility controls, as well as scalability in the amount of Utility controls and algorithms used.\\ A proof of concept is introduced which provides uncomplicated instructions on the implementation of different versions of this design. As a result, the Controller can be used within an e-GOTHAM context with little adaptations and even in systems providing similar data input as the e-GOTHAM box.