Internet of Energy for Energy Management of Interconnected Local Energy Communities: Case Study in BAM Campus - the Netherlands

The advent of renewable energy sources has progressively diminished reliance on fossil fuels. However, existing power grids were not designed to accommodate bi-directional power flows, leading to increasing concerns over technical challenges such as congestion, voltage violations, etc. Emerging technologies such as the Internet of Energy and Local Energy Communities (LECs) present viable solutions to these challenges. This paper proposes a IoE framework, focusing on power profile prediction for day-ahead optimization and real-time power control of LECs. The proposed framework explores how LECs can comply with technical constraints while maximizing self-sufficiency through objective functions. The developed model and subsequent simulations demonstrate the significant potential of LECs, from providing balancing services to elucidating the technical and economic impacts of integrating LECs into an interconnected network. Furthermore, the paper highlights the economic benefits of incorporating technologies like batteries and photovoltaic (PV) systems within LECs, offering substantial financial advantages to owners. The presented model serves as a foundational step in LEC research, outlining current possibilities and future avenues for exploration and development.