The constant development of new electricity infrastructure has led to the birth of the Energy Internet concept. During the second industrial revolution (around 1860–1900), the invention of electricity was a major scientific breakthrough. When electricity was introduced, it caused a sudden change in the rate of global economic growth. Since then, there has been a dramatic shift in the technologies used to generate electricity, from steam turbines to solar panels.

At the consumer end, there was a change in the way things were consumed as well. Edison's plan for decentralized power generation and distribution helped bring electricity to a few city blocks by the end of the 1880s. Large, centralized power plants were built because of the gradual but steady increase in primary demand for electricity. Engineers and policymakers have relied on the addition of more and more generation capacity, believing that meeting demand by adding more generation capacity is the remedy to the prevailing challenges posed by energy-intensive economic activities.

Ⅰ. Evolution of Smart Grid

However, the rapid development of information technology in the twenty-first century has shown that it can be integrated to improve power systems' dependability, quality, and efficiency. The proliferation of technology and the development of increasingly sophisticated devices and robust software platforms have simplified the operation of transmission and distribution networks. The rapid development of the power industry gave rise to the concept of the "Smart Grid," which was implemented through the integration of information technology infrastructure into the power system.

In order to facilitate distributed power generation and its distribution via off-grid and on-grid topologies, smart grid infrastructure facilitates the smooth development of microgrids. With the help of hardware and software like sensors and artificial intelligence, it also guaranteed integration between the distributed generators and consumption centers in an optimal configuration.

Ⅱ. The Idea of Energy Internet

The power industry's business model has also changed as a result of the network's evolution. With the emergence of power markets, the incorporation of small-scale renewable energy systems, the addition of electric vehicle charging stations, etc., the management of a basic smart grid network became too complicated to handle. The Energy Internet is a step forward from the smart grid, with the potential to efficiently manage millions of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), storage devices, and loads.

Ⅲ. Advantages of Energy Internet

Energy Internet is a new technology that enables consumers to produce, use, and resell their excess electricity from home solar or wind installations. A distributed and resource-optimized next-generation computing infrastructure has replaced the 1980s' centralized one. Through the use of cloud storage and computing, modern computers such as desktop PCs, laptops, and iPads can perform tasks similar to distributed computing.

The Energy Internet can undergo a similar paradigm shift by connecting a large number of small distributed renewable energy systems to a reliable distribution infrastructure backed by modern technologies to fulfill the role traditionally played by centralized power stations in meeting the nation's power needs.

Energy Internet's plug-and-play functionality allows distributed renewable energy systems and storage devices to be quickly and easily connected to and disconnected from the network. It is important to select an appropriate converter topology, and having a plug-and-play interface is essential for avoiding grid disruptions when connecting and disconnecting renewable energy systems and storage devices.

Ⅳ. Components of Energy Internet

Rifkin's concept of the "Energy Internet" included four key components. To begin, the Energy Internet relies heavily on renewable energy. Second, the energy internet needs to facilitate the connection of numerous decentralized renewable energy sources and storage facilities. Third, it needs to enable two-way communication and energy transfer. Fourth, it should accommodate the growing demand for electric mobility.

These features create a hospitable setting for the advancement of novel power system business models, the incorporation of new storage technologies into energy systems, and the transition from mobility dependent on internal combustion engines to mobility dependent on cleaner electric mobility.

These features are important for the way the power grid is managed and could prompt changes like providing financial incentives to consumers, installing charging stations for plug-in electric vehicles, improving the reliability of the Internet's backbone, and promoting the development of new forms of energy storage, such as pumped hydroelectric power plants.

Energy Cells

Energy Internet architecture is similar to C2C e-commerce businesses like e-Bay, where one consumer deals directly with another consumer without the involvement of a middleman. There are millions of residential, commercial, and industrial consumers on Energy Internet, all acting in their own self-interest by interacting with one another over the network. The term "energy cell" is used to describe these things. There are several components that make up an Energy Cell, including a local electricity generator, storage devices, dispatchable and non-dispatchable electric loads, and electric vehicles.

Utility Cells

Utility cells provide the networking infrastructure that allows Energy Cells to connect to the Energy Internet and engage in energy trading. The energy transaction infrastructure is managed and operated by Utility Cell, and the actual trade of energy is facilitated by a clearance house using a suitable price discovery mechanism.

Energy Routers

A device known as an energy router links all of the individual energy cells together. The energy router's power electronics module facilitates connections to the utility grid, energy storage systems, the local generator, and the loads. In the event that the output of the energy cells is not in sync with the demand, the utility cell will inject power into the network to restore equilibrium. The energy router's communication module exchanges information about energy demand and supply with other energy routers.

Energy routers, similar to network routers on the information internet, would incorporate a plug-and-play interface and open-source standard-based software for communication. Energy router development and studies are just getting started. However, there are advanced prototype designs being developed using multilevel converter topologies and solid-state transformers. Since 2010, researchers have analyzed the potential for a simple plug-and-play mechanism to link energy cells to the Energy Internet. Fig. 1 depicts an overview of the structure of the Energy Internet.

Fig. 1. Energy internet architecture Source: IEEE Access

The mechanism by which energy is delivered in the new power distribution system shown here is distinct from that of the old power distribution system. The square with dots inside it represents the various players in the Energy Internet market mechanism. The green box represents the energy cell, while the blue box represents the utility cell.

Despite the significance of energy storage for Energy Internet, its effects have not been thoroughly investigated. The widespread adoption of electric vehicles and other forms of virtual storage holds great promise for the future of energy management.

The proposed model for the energy internet could include a mechanism for optimal network management that takes into account both power surplus and deficit status. In the event of a power outage, electricity can be drawn from a nearby electric vehicle that is parked. If there is a surplus of energy, the vehicle can be fully charged. By doing so, we can reduce the amount of energy wasted during transmission.

Ⅴ. Summarizing the Key Points

The Energy Internet is a step forward from the smart grid in managing small-scale renewable energy systems, electric vehicle charging stations, and other energy resources.

Energy cells are the components that make up an Energy Internet, including a local electricity generator, storage devices, and electric vehicles. It involves millions of residential, commercial, and industrial consumers, all acting in their own self-interest.

The Energy Internet enables consumers to produce, use, and resell their excess electricity from home solar or wind installations, and its structure differs from the old power distribution system.

The Energy Internet could provide financial incentives to consumers, install charging stations for plug-in electric vehicles, and improve the reliability of the Internet's backbone.

The Energy Internet holds great promise for the future of energy management with the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and other forms of virtual storage.  

Reference

Joseph, Akhil, and Patil Balachandra. “Smart Grid to Energy Internet: A Systematic Review of Transitioning Electricity Systems.” IEEE Access 8 (2020): 215787–805. https://doi.org/10.1109/access.2020.3041031.