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IoT-Based Hybrid AC/DC RES Environment
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This entry is adapted from the peer-reviewed paper 10.3390/en15186813
Smart microgrids, as the foundations of the future smart grid, combine distinct Internet of Things (IoT) designs and technologies for applications that are designed to create, regulate, monitor, and protect the microgrid (MG), particularly as the IoT develops and evolves on a daily basis. Communication networks are critical components of HRES because they allow data to flow between data sources (sensors and meters), control centers, and controllers. The data flow from various elements establishes the system architecture in addition to facilitating the control operation and remote monitoring. Sensing, communication, processing, and actuation will all benefit from IoT technology, which will facilitate a variety of MG applications.
smart microgrid optimization hybrid renewable energy source internet of things

1. Real World Applications of IoT

From agriculture to health care, IoT services and intelligence can alter the lives of ordinary people. As this innovation [1] advances at a breakneck pace, it will logically anticipate population requirements and benefit society as a whole. The real-world implementations of IoT are depicted in Figure 1, which range from the retail industry to health services. In terms of IoT, the most popular phrase is “smart home.” It has emerged as a progressive component in the residential sector, and smart homes are expected to be as common as smartphones in the future. Smart home devices [2] will gain branded household products as energy, and automation progresses, reducing consumers’ time and, ultimately, money. This is a critical aspect for certain smart items to communicate digitally in order to provide users with a cost-effective experience. IoT devices are always being improved to make them more compact and energy efficient.
Figure 1. IoT in the real world.
As per a Forbes survey [3], leading brand businesses are expected to sell over 411 million wearables on the digital market by 2020. In article [4], the future necessity for addressing those uncertainties is explored using an IoT-based architecture. With the advancement of IoT technology, the theory of smart cities is gaining popularity. The requirement to analyze necessary protocols for urban IoT platforms [5][6] with optimized speed routing algorithms in smart streets for specific situations must be prepared for in the future.
In the automotive digital industry, IoT provides the way for vehicles that are more stable and robust in terms of performance. Connected automobiles with IoT capabilities use pre-stored inputs based on several sensors to regulate the vehicle’s functioning more independently. IoT-enabled automotive revolution brought together larger branded firms from both the IT and automotive industries. The industrial sector is the next most important market for economic growth. With the growth of analytics, big data [7], progressive software resources, and enhanced sensors, Industrial IoT has the potential to empower whole sectors. Figure 2 shows that the majority of the market is focused on smart cities and industrial IoT.
Figure 2. General market structure of IoT technologies [8].
By actively communicating with industrial data, the IoT helps create a more trustworthy solution. As a result, industries may more efficiently address inefficiencies and identify issues earlier, resulting in higher profits and productivity. In the near future, industrial IoT will focus on sensor cloud-based integrity communication [9]. New agricultural innovation is desperately required to meet the increasing demand for food supply. Only by combining innovative agronomics techniques with end-to-end IoT technologies can this be possible. Crop monitoring is performed effectively, and the persistence of a range of crops may be done in a very fair manner, resulting in more efficient water management.
Another important sector where IoT solutions are becoming more prevalent is healthcare, which aims to provide high-quality and timely services to patients. Patients and doctors can engage with each other on a routine basis because of the IoT. The global market can be expanded as a result of the use of various IoT-based smart devices that have high consumer satisfaction. With this technology, the requirements for luxury, security, safety, and cost-effectiveness can be met. Table 1 depicts the fundamental characteristics of IoT, as well as its benefits and drawbacks.
Table 1. Benefits and drawbacks of IoT.
Table
Features Pros of IoT Cons of IoT Possible Concerns towards the Remedy
Automation The key benefit is that it can keep the entire M2M communication process transparent. - -
Efficacy The system’s performance is enhanced, and the presence of a M2M interface allows workers to focus on other tasks. - -
Security and Privacy - The data stored are immediately available because many equipment and services are dynamically connected to one another. The data are susceptible to hackers and unauthorized concerns. Concentrating on more data verification tools can help solve this problem.
Communication By talking with devices [3 N] on a daily basis, IoT develops a platform that enhances the quality and time factors. - -
Compatibility - Currently, few worldwide compatibility standards; it is difficult for suppliers and consumers to interface with services. Similar protocols for multiple sectors, such as commercial, industrial, and residential, might be used to generate new standards.
Savings of Cost IoT solutions aid in the development of more expensive systems for day-to-day activities in a variety of sectors, as well as efficient systems. - -
Difficulty - Because a huge network is interconnected, even minor software and hardware component failures can cause system harm. Rapid failures at node junctions can be detected by a central control center, and necessary corrective action can be taken.
Instant data access Immediate access to data in a timely manner aids in the efficient management of the process. This, in turn, makes people’s lives easier and more comfortable. - -
Fewer jobs and technologically dependent life - As the number of M2M interfaces grows and automation control is implemented, the need for personnel decreases, and technology reduces human interaction. Different control centers might be set up with the help of new competent staff.

2. IoT Technologies for MG

In today’s world, several IoT-based solutions are accessible to meet the demands of MG applications. Despite the fact that numerous communication technologies are suitable, there are currently few standards for the effective implementation of MG. IoT technologies are mostly employed in MG for long-range bi-directional data exchange among the utility and the user via IoT-based equipment, such as smart meters. In most cases, IoT-based MG systems require advanced wireless technologies rather than wired-based technologies to alleviate the difficulty of long-distance data transfer. Certain wired methods [10], are necessary for the event of signal attenuation-related interference because these technologies will not depend on batteries to operate.
Wireless methods can be used to transfer data between smart meters and IoT-enabled devices, as shown in Table 2. Various wireless communication technologies based on IoT are detailed in this table, along with their coverage ranges, which can be utilized for MG systems. IoT can facilitate the flow of data between utility data centers and different smart meters. Different wireless techniques are required to obtain these systems together, which presents a difficult microcosm for IoT-based MG systems. Long-range connectivity is demonstrated by cellular-based networks such as LoRa [11] and Sigfox [12], which are used to build the backbone network for future grids with cloud-based service domains. MG systems will primarily focus on exhibiting long-range connectivity [13][14] and establishing a network structure with cloud-based application areas.
Table 2. Wireless technology based on the IoTs with an MG coverage range.
Table
Technology Usage of the Protocol Needed Pros Cons MG Application
IoT-based wireless Technology Zigbee
  • It has 16 channels with 2.4 GHz and 5 MHz of bandwidth.
  • Less complexity.
  • Cost of deployment is less.
  • Power utilization is low.
  • It has a very short range.
  • Processes fewer data capabilities.
  • Data rate transfer is less.
  • Home automation
  • Coverage range—to 100 m.
 
  • Long range WAN (LoRaWAN)
  • Long-range connectivity
  • Bidirectional communication with less interface.
  • Provides virtual channels for the improvement of IoT gateways.
  • No drawbacks in terms of data transfer.
  • Monitors the transmission line networks with an online facility.
  • Coverage range—to 15 km.
  Z-wave
  • Latency found to be low.
  • Less interference with other wireless devices.
  • Start range.
  • Less suitable for NAN.
  • Smart home automation.
  • Coverage range—30 m.
  IPv6 over low-power wireless personal area networks (6LoWPAN)
  • Robust technology.
  • Less power needed.
  • Connectivity easier with large wireless platforms.
  • Short range.
  • Less data rate transfer.
  • Smart meter.
  • Coverage range—to 100 m
  Thread
  • Low power.
  • More secure.
  • Connectivity easier.
  • Less data rate transfer.
  • Smart meter
  sigFox
  • Low levels of data transfer speed.
  • Less power needed.
  • More connectivity.
  • No drawbacks in terms of data transfer.
  • Smart home automation.
  • Coverage range—10 to 30 km.
The majority of MG systems center on NAN and WAN [12], which need maximum range and minimum power technologies. For such technologies, LoRaWAN [15] emerges as a potential player. Aside from these wireless technologies, it is important to remember that determining the optimum technology for MG is impossible because most of these wireless technologies are possible candidates for MG-based applications. Several wired technologies, such as DSL [16] and power line communications [17][18][19][20][21], are widely employed in rural settings, and are paving the way for smarter technology. Table 3 depicts IoT device which is connected worldwide.
Table 3. IoT devices connected worldwide.
Table
Connected Devices Year
0.2 million 1999
80 million 2010
9.0 billion 2013
1.0 trillion 2025

3. IoT in Energy Management Optimization

MGs are becoming more popular as a result of renewable energy projects around the world. They have a lot of benefits, but they also have a lot of drawbacks, especially when it comes to working with traditional MG’s. SEMS are developed to assist grid operators in managing energy production and consumption as efficiently as possible in order to save money, minimize CO2 emissions, and ensure that electrical networks remain stable at all times. In the last few years, the IoT industry has developed quickly, with the advent of very effective open source IoT platforms that are especially well adapted to the development of SEMS. The most significant benefit of the open source IoT strategy is its vendor independence and ability to adapt to changing market conditions [22]. This gives grid operators more control over their assets, allows them to stay current with market demands, and allows them to improve or expand their EMSs to meet their needs. Figure 3 shows the IoT-based optimal EMS for MG.
Figure 3. IoT-based optimal energy management and control for a MG.

3.1. IoT and Wind Energy Optimization

In terms of efficiency and size, wind technologies are quickly evolving. The primary stumbling block to the growth of wind energy is the intrinsic intermittency of these resources. As a result, if wind units have a high infiltration in fulfilling demand, extreme inequalities could jeopardize the system’s security. Furthermore, IoT technology combined with ICT infrastructures enables wind farm owners to plan precise predictive maintenance plans, avoiding costly downtime. On-time maintenance, for example, can lower the LCOE index for wind assets [23], which represents the net present value of the unit–cost of power throughout the turbine’s lifespan.
The need for IoT in the wind energy industry stems from the fact that data related to WTs and wind farms must be obtained and evaluated quickly. Offshore wind farm data transmission delays and limited bandwidth for relaying information to remote areas were two major concerns that can be addressed right now. As a result, decision-making processes can be sped up or automated if important information can be gathered and processed in real time. The use of IoT technologies in the wind industry emphasizes the necessity for better comprehensive strategies for designing and operating wind farms and also installing and maintaining turbines that are cost-effective, secure, and safe. There are a lot of sensors and actuators in the WT controller layer. Each fundamental component’s health and function can be reported by the sensors. Using a series of actuators, the control system regulates and configures the components.
The controller accepts sensor information and utilizes power amplifiers to convey electric, hydraulic, and mechanical signals and instructions. Cyber-physical devices must be combined to link the physical layer of wind turbines to the cyber layer via a network architecture. The network, condition-monitoring system, and SCADA make up the cyber layer. The design of a communication network, particularly for offshore wind farms, is largely dependent on local conditions. To connect to a LAN, each turbine must be fitted with an RTU. Such devices share data with a central data center that uses a cloud-based WAN.
All WTs in a wind farm are furnished with IoT-based-distributed intelligence systems and embedded systems that benefit from WSN, as well as M2M communication under cloud-based systems that transmit information to servers using internet-enabled and open communication protocols, and can be controlled and regulated using mobile HMIs or unified computer-aided interfaces. The IoT-based controlling system is said to be more expensive than current SCADA platforms, but due to the higher sampling rate and data frequency, it is said to be more effective at diagnosing. The IEC61400-25 standard, which improves the standardization of the data exchange gateway, diagnostics, autonomy, and extensibility was designed in order to execute unified monitoring and information exchange.

3.2. IoT and Solar Energy Optimization

Solar energy offers the greatest potential for renewable energy power generation. As a result, this source is expected to be a significant provider of future clean power systems. Solar panels, switches, wiring, mounting systems, and inverters make up a PV system. A battery storage unit can be added to these items. Modern techniques, such as the MPPT controlling scheme, global positioning system (GPS) solar tracker, anemometer, solar irradiance sensors, and similar task-specific accessories, are available in modern PV systems for more efficient solar power extraction. Unlike traditional PV systems, CPVs have curved mirrors and optical lenses that assist irradiance onto a small but highly effective multi-junction solar cell. Because solar energy must be stored whenever it is available and the stored energy must be delivered once it is required, the installation of a storage unit is required. IoT can aid in the real-time sharing of data collected from PV sensors, as well as remote controllability of solar unit operation for failure and fault diagnosis, as well as prediction and preventative maintenance. Furthermore, grid-scale synchronization of unpredictable ESS and solar production necessitates real-time communication, which IoT infrastructure may provide. Uncertainties are largely linked to the appraisal of solar resources and the functioning of PV systems.
Monitoring the operation of the arrays is critical because it affects the PV unit’s profitability as well as its dependability. In terms of income and O&M performance, identifying and responding to losses caused by a variety of factors is crucial. The performance of arrays can be measured via contracts between the PV system manufacturer, the PV owner, and the utility that guarantee the purchase of the energy produced. The intensity of solar radiation varies with time and is heavily influenced by the weather. As a result, there is no way to generate at a consistent rate. Several system components, such as the battery SOC and the voltage levels of the power converter, are affected indirectly by this issue. It is difficult for people to monitor every PV panel to prevent losses and outages, whether it is a rooftop PV system or a solar park in the desert. Additionally, frequent site visits and monitoring of operating data are necessary, which takes time when the PV facility is situated in a remote area. Human failures take a long time to address, and they are not always obvious. As a result, continuous monitoring of a real-time system that monitors parameters of the PV system and stores relevant information in a cloud-based network is necessary to be installed alongside the PV panels. The information can be utilized to gain a better understanding of the performances of PV systems and the causes of their failure. As a result, the deployment of IoT technology enables diagnosis and on-time maintenance.

3.3. IoT and Energy Storage Facilities

By redressing imbalances, ESS assists in boosting the dispatch capabilities of uncertain RESs. Incorporating IoT and processing a massive amount of data, on the other hand, adds a lot of complexity to the equation, but it improves autonomy. One must always strike a healthy balance between intricacy and performance (usefulness). Bulk energy time-shifting, small-scale frequency management, large-scale frequency stability, and power dependability are some of the applications of energy storage devices. Diverse energy storage systems have been developed so far for various uses. Energy storage units are critical for increasing the flexibility of power networks while also ensuring their reliability. The insecurity and intermittent nature of RESs is the key impediment to increased adoption. The use of energy storage facilities can help to decrease the danger of these uncertainties. As a result, real-time integration between these units is essential to avoid undesirable restrictions due to excess generation or detriments as a result of inadequacies. IoT infrastructure can help to make this a reality by allowing wind farms or solar parks to work together with grid-scale energy storage facilities, increasing the profitability of both types of facilities.

3.4. Drawbacks of IoT in Microgrid

Specific technological difficulties would need to be overcome in order to support the rapid technical development of IoT technologies as well as innovative potential application areas [24]. One of the main issues is associated with the development of different tools for the monitoring of network operations [25], then issues with security tools and their management [26], issues with software bugs, demanding maintenance of IoT networks, and finally, security issues related to IoT networks [27]. The key issue with the effective adoption of IoT technologies is related to the speed and coverage of wireless networks (Wi-Fi), where expectations are high due to both noticeable gains in Wi-Fi network coverage and increases in Wi-Fi speed over the period of 2017–2022. Globally, rises in Wi-Fi speed of more than a factor of two, or from around 24 Mbps to more than 54 Mbps, are anticipated. The Asian region is predicted to experience the greatest improvement in Wi-Fi speed [28].

References

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Subjects: Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Contributors MDPI registered users' name will be linked to their SciProfiles pages. To register with us, please refer to https://encyclopedia.pub/register :
Belqasem Aljafari
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Subramanian Vasantharaj
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Vairavasundaram Indragandhi
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Rhanganath Vaibhav
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Update Date: 08 Oct 2022
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