TECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MECHANISMS OF LOCAL ENERGY SUPPLY SYSTEMS (MICROGRID)

Abstract

The business model of energy as a service (Energy-as-a-service, EaaS) is considered as a direction of development of the concept of 3D (Decarbonization, Decentralization, Digitalization) and the conceptual model of the Internet of energy. At the same time, EaaS is formed in the form of a "package" service model, in which the customer is provided with hardware and software and energy services. EaaS solutions should include consumption management and energy efficiency services, promote the introduction of renewable energy sources (RES) and other decentralized energy sources, and optimize the balance between supply and demand in the electricity market. EaaS is shown to be a broad term for service-driven business models with innovative potential to transform the energy industry

To assess the specifics of EaaS application to Microgrid, the construction and operation of Microgrid as a local power system or power supply system, which is a technological complex consisting of generation facilities (energy sources), energy flexibility sources and electricity consumers, which are collected under a single management ensuring the most efficient and consumer-friendly energy supply. It is determined that the technological guarantee of the efficiency of modern Microgrid is the ability to integrate and optimally combine different energy sources and flexibility, as well as the presence of a single control loop that allows the best use of these sources.

Smart Grid as a Service (SGaaS) based on Service-Oriented Architecture is presented. The SGaaS hierarchical architecture provides a promising three-tier architecture that includes an intelligent network level for global optimization, such as minimizing global protection or global costs, a level of coordination to maintain reliability and security in the Smart Grid, and a Microgrid level to monitor end-user device status.

The implementation of the EaaS and SGaaS mechanisms has stimulated the development of Microgrid as a Service (MaaS) - as a service that offers the deployment of Microgrid, reducing the initial cost of investment and complexity. MaaS has been identified as a new flagship funding mechanism that allows organizations to deploy Microgrid without any prior investment, as a solution that does not require advance capital for energy consumers and focuses on results such as on-site energy. MaaS mechanisms offer customers more control over their energy needs, enabling them to increase the sustainability and reliability of their energy supply, balance energy use, achieve clean energy goals and explore other innovative products and services.