Managing an EnergyHub with AI
Managing an EnergyHub is no small task. With fluctuating energy prices, grid limitations, and diverse asset behaviours, traditional EMS solutions often fall short. That’s where Tibo EMS steps in – it dynamically manages energy flows in real-time to reduce costs, enhance renewable energy use, and boost overall efficiency. In this whitepaper, you’ll learn:
Intelligent management, effortless experience
EnergyHubs are assuming an increasingly vital role in the energy transition. By integrating and sharing various energy assets with other companies—such as batteries, solar panels, EV chargers, and grid connections—organizations can manage energy more efficiently, reduce costs, and optimize the utilization of renewable energy.
Managing an EnergyHub is inherently complex. Each asset possesses unique operational constraints, energy prices are subject to fluctuation, and grid congestion remains a significant consideration. Conventional energy management systems (EMS) frequently depend on static rules or basic automation, hindering their ability to dynamically optimize energy flows.
Tibo EMS adopts a distinctive approach. Driven by Alice, our AI-powered optimization algorithm, the system perpetually assesses market conditions, grid limitations, and user priorities to facilitate intelligent, real-time energy decisions.
Step 1: Simulation & Digital Twin
Before an EnergyHub is operational, it is crucial to analyze the interaction of energy assets and identify potential limitations. This analysis is conducted using a Digital Twin—a virtual model that replicates the EnergyHub's performance across various scenarios.
How does this function?
The Digital Twin allows stakeholders to investigate various scenarios, including:
Practical illustration
In a recent project, we modeled an EnergyHub that included five interconnected companies. The total contractual connection capacity reached 2,350 kW, whereas the grid operator permitted a maximum load of 1,750 kW because of local grid congestion.
Without optimisation, this Hub would frequently encounter capacity constraints, resulting in lost revenue and restricted growth. Tibo EMS modeled different control strategies and created an algorithm that:
- Maintain the grid load consistently under 1,750 kW.
- Ensures energy accessibility for all users.
- Dynamically alternates between assets to manage peak moments.
Drawing from these insights, the EnergyHub was developed to ensure that the grid limit was not surpassed—allowing companies to maintain their operations without adjustments. With the implementation of Tibo EMS, opportunities for growth have reemerged, and stakeholders are no longer constrained in their ambitions.
Step 2: AI-powered enhancement with Alice
Once an EnergyHub is operational, the management of energy flows must be dynamic and responsive to real-time conditions. Alice, the AI-powered optimization engine within Tibo EMS, consistently computes the most effective energy strategy by considering economic, technical, and sustainability factors. Alice possesses three fundamental qualities:
Predictive decision-making
Alice not only reacts to real-time conditions but also consistently revises a strategic energy plan for the upcoming 48 hours, taking into account energy market trends, asset performance, and grid limitations.
This proactive strategy guarantees that energy resources are not only utilized efficiently at present but are also strategically arranged for future price variations and grid circumstances.
Real-time adaptability and modifications
In contrast to conventional EMS systems that function under rigid guidelines, Alice consistently modifies its planning and execution to enhance asset utilization.
Alice adjusts in real-time to fluctuations in energy demand, renewable generation, and grid congestion, providing optimal economic and operational outcomes.
Multi-objective optimisation
Alice manages multiple objectives at the same time:
Practical illustration
In an EnergyHub equipped with a battery and a charging plaza, Alice implemented the following strategic decisions:
- During the day: The battery was powered by inexpensive solar energy (€0.05/kWh).
- Evening peak: Rather than utilizing the battery directly for local consumption, the energy was strategically sold to the charging station at a rate of €0.15/kWh.
- Dynamic adjustment: When an unexpected surge in demand risked surpassing grid capacity, Alice modified the charging strategy to prevent grid congestion.
Benchmark: Tibo EMS Compared to Conventional EMS Solutions
An examination of Tibo EMS in relation to other EMS solutions reveals two significant distinctions:
Performance enhancement
- Where traditional EMS systems struggle with growing complexity, Alice continues to deliver consistently high performance.
- The system retains its effectiveness even when augmented with new assets or adapting to changing market conditions.
Yield and advantages
- Tibo EMS provides considerably greater returns as the complexity of assets and markets escalates.
- It mitigates the loss of profits resulting from the system constraints of conventional solutions.
Step 3: Stakeholder engagement and openness
EnergyHubs function in multi-user settings where various companies collaborate on energy sharing while maintaining their individual financial and operational goals. Tibo EMS guarantees that energy distribution and consumption are handled smoothly, providing complete transparency for all parties involved.
How does this function?
In practice, it appears as follows:
- Company A possesses a photovoltaic installation and provides excess solar energy to Company B, which manages a substantial charging plaza.
- Rather than buying electricity at market rates, Company B has the ability to track its energy source and assess the economic viability of direct energy trading.
- Tibo EMS offers a clear dashboard, allowing all stakeholders to make informed energy decisions based on data.
Step 4: Real-time monitoring and control
To maintain stability and efficiency in an EnergyHub, ongoing monitoring and real-time control are crucial. Tibo EMS offers a live operational overview, allowing companies to make informed energy decisions based on data.
Live performance oversight
Companies can monitor real-time energy usage, expenses, and CO₂ reduction through the EMS dashboard.
Automated grid reaction
Tibo EMS consistently modifies energy consumption in response to grid congestion, market variations, and the availability of renewable energy.
Preemptive alerts and forecasting notifications
The system identifies potential issues, including capacity thresholds or unforeseen price surges, and takes preventive action within user-defined parameters.
