Renewable and Storage Energy Integration for Smart Grid Housing

Abstract

This paper presents the design, implementation and testing of an embedded system that integrates solar and storage energy resources to smart homes within the smart microgrid. The proposed system provides the required home energy by installing renewable energy and storage devices. It also manages and schedules the power flow during peak and off-peak periods. In addition, a two-way communication protocol is developed to enable the home owners and the utility service provider to improve the energy flow and the consumption efficiency. The system can be an integral part for homes in a smart grid or smart microgrid power networks. A prototype for the proposed system was designed, implemented and tested by using a controlled load bank to simulate a scaled random real house consumption behavior. Three different scenarios were tested and the results and findings are reported. Moreover, data flow security among the home, home owners and utility server is developed to minimize cyber-attacks.