The energy revolution: cyber physical advances and opportunities for smart local energy systems

TL;DR

This paper presents a structured two-stage process for analyzing small local energy systems (SLES) based on their cyber physical components, aiming to enhance flexibility, scalability, and future-proofing.

Contribution

It introduces a novel 10-step method for assessing and improving cyber physical architectures in SLES projects, integrating advances from other fields for better operational and predictive capabilities.

Findings

New analysis method for SLES cyber physical systems

Technologies from other fields can improve SLES flexibility

Enhanced predictive functions for long-term SLES performance

Abstract

We have designed a two-stage, 10-step process to give organisations a method to analyse small local energy systems (SLES) projects based on their Cyber Physical System components in order to develop future-proof energy systems. SLES are often developed for a specific range of use cases and functions, and these match the specific requirements and needs of the community, location or site under consideration. During the design and commissioning, new and specific cyber physical architectures are developed. These are the control and data systems that are needed to bridge the gap between the physical assets, the captured data and the control signals. Often, the cyber physical architecture and infrastructure is focused on functionality and the delivery of the specific applications. But we find that technologies and approaches have arisen from other fields that, if used within SLES, could support the flexibility, scalability and reusability vital to their success. As these can improve the operational data systems then they can also be used to enhance predictive functions If used and deployed effectively, these new approaches can offer longer term improvements in the use and effectiveness of SLES, while allowing the concepts and designs to be capitalised upon through wider roll-out and the offering of commercial services or products.