DESC:DESCRIPTION:
Field of the invention:
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the technical field of distributed renewable resource utilization, and in specific relates to, a microgrid energy management system that optimizes energy production and consumption, thereby reducing energy costs and environmental impact.
Background of the invention:
[0002] A power grid is a vast network of power plants, transmission lines, and distribution centers. The grid constantly balances the supply and demand for energy that powers everything from industry to household appliances. Traditional power grids face challenges such as limited reach, vulnerability to outages, and reliance on fossil fuels. The increasing adoption of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar panels and battery storage has paved the way for microgrids.

[0003] The microgrids are localized power systems that can operate independently or in conjunction with the main grid, which offers benefits that include increased resilience, improved sustainability, and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. However, managing the complexity between various DERs and loads within a microgrid requires sophisticated control systems. Microgrids integrate diverse components include generators, storage, and loads, each with unique characteristics and dynamic interactions. This complexity makes it difficult to predict and optimize energy flows, leading to potential issues such as power imbalances and inefficient resource utilization.

[0004] Furthermore, microgrids often prioritize internal energy consumption, minimizing power exchange with the utility grid, which can limit the potential benefits of sharing excess renewable energy and participating in grid balancing services. In addition, conventional protection methods might not be adequate for systems with distributed storage, making data analysis and optimal energy procurement challenging.

[0005] The Internet of Things (IoT) architecture is used to manage and operate microgrids effectively. By leveraging power grid equipment and IoT-enabled technologies, microgrids enable local networks to offer additional services on top of the essential delivery of electricity to local networks that function concurrently with or independently of the regional grid. For data collection, processing, and visualization, as well as with the next wireless generation, many platforms that make use of IoT technologies are used. An electronic communication network, an electronic billing system, and smart meters make up the modern smart microgrid. The smart microgrid will feature automatic distribution, secure distributed energy resources management (DER), and production capabilities.

[0006] In an existing technology, a method for controlling the operation of a microgrid comprises plurality of distributed energy resources that include controllable distributed electric generators and electrical energy storage devices. The method includes periodically updating a distributed energy resource schedule for the microgrid that includes on or off status of the controllable distributed electric generators and charging or discharging status and rate of the electrical energy storage devices and which satisfies a first control objective for a defined time window, based at least in part on a renewable energy generation and load forecast for the microgrid.

[0007] The method further includes periodically determining power set points for the controllable distributed energy resources that satisfy a second control objective for a present time interval within the defined time window, the second control objective being a function of at least the distributed energy resource schedule for the microgrid. However, the method for controlling the operation of the microgrid is less effective for energy utilization. Moreover, the method for controlling the operation of the microgrid has the least probability of sharing the power from microgrids with the utility grid.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a microgrid energy management system that integrates microgrids with a utility grid to optimize energy production and consumption. There is also a need for a microgrid energy management system that is energy efficient, safe and reliable. There is also a need for a microgrid energy management system that reduces energy costs and environmental impacts.

[0009] There is also a need for a microgrid energy management system that recovers from outages quickly and improves uptime by avoiding unplanned outages. There is also a need for a microgrid energy management system that is easy to control. There is also a need for a microgrid energy management system that shares the power from one microgrid with another microgrid and avoids creating a burden on the utility grid.
Objectives of the invention:
[0010] The primary objective of the invention is to provide a microgrid energy management system that integrates microgrids with a utility grid to optimize energy production and consumption, thereby reducing energy costs and environmental impact.

[0011] Another objective of the invention is to provide a microgrid energy management system that is reliable, safe and energy efficient.

[0012] The other objective of the invention is to provide a microgrid energy management system that recovers from outages quickly and improves uptime by avoiding unplanned outages.

[0013] The other objective of the invention is to provide a microgrid energy management system that optimizes maintenance and develops more time for electrical assets.

[0014] The other objective of the invention is to provide a microgrid energy management system that utilizes a dual arrangement of solar installations accompanied by battery-equipped microgrid clusters.

[0015] The other objective of the invention is to provide a microgrid energy management system that is easy to control.

[0016] The other objective of the invention is to provide a microgrid energy management system that shares power from one microgrid to another microgrid and avoids creating much burden on the utility grid.

[0017] Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a microgrid energy management system that analyzes gathered electrical parameter data and maintains optimum energy procurement.

[0018] Further objective of the invention is to provide a microgrid energy management system that develops low-cost IoT-based energy management for microgrid clusters.
Summary of the invention:
[0019] The present disclosure proposes a microgrid energy management system with Arduino Uno-based power monitoring. The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0020] In order to overcome the above deficiencies of the prior art, the present disclosure is to solve the technical problem to provide a microgrid energy management system that optimizes energy production and consumption, thereby reducing energy costs and environmental impact.

[0021] According to an aspect, the invention provides a microgrid energy management system with Arduino Uno-based power monitoring. The system for energy management in a microgrid cluster comprises plurality of microgrids, a controlling unit, a global system for mobile communication (GSM) module, a display module, a utility grid, a two-channel relay module, plurality of loads, at least one current sensor, at least one voltage sensor, a user device and a network. The plurality of microgrids is configured to produce and distribute electrical power. The plurality of microgrids comprises a first microgrid and a second microgrid. Each of the microgrids comprises a solar panel, a battery, and an inverter.

[0022] In one embodiment, the solar panels are configured to collect sunlight and convert the collected sunlight into electrical power. The battery is configured to store electrical power generated by the solar panels. The inverter is configured to convert the stored power from direct current (DC) to alternate current (AC). The plurality of loads are electrically connected to the plurality of microgrids, respectively, through the two-channel relay module. In specific, the two-channel relay module can be manufactured from at least one of phosphor bronze and beryllium bronze.

[0023] The plurality of loads are electrically connected to the utility grid, which is charged upon deactivating at least one of the plurality of microgrids. In specific, each of the plurality of loads comprises the at least one current sensor and the at least one voltage sensor. The controlling unit is in communication with each of the microgrids, the GSM module and the display module. In specific, the display module is configured to display the electrical parameters to the user. In specific, the electrical parameters include power consumption and generation data within each of the microgrids.

[0024] In one embodiment, the controlling unit is electrically connected to each of the microgrids. The controlling unit includes at least one of Arduino Uno, Arduino Nano and Arduino Mega. Here, the controlling unit is the Arduino Uno microcontroller. The controlling unit is configured to receive sensed data from the at least one current sensor and the at least one voltage sensor from the at least one of the plurality of loads. The controlling unit is configured to display electrical parameters to a user through the display module for alerting the user. The controlling unit is configured to receive at least one instruction from the user device provided by the user through the network via the global system for mobile communication (GSM) module. In specific, the user device includes at least one of a computer, a smartphone, a laptop, a mobile device and a personal digital assistant (PDA) which is operated by the user.

[0025] The controlling unit is configured to regulate at least one of the plurality of microgrids based on the received instructions through the two-channel relay module for activating and deactivating the at least one of the plurality of loads. The controlling unit is configured to communicate with the utility grid in order to control the power that is supplied to the utility grid. The controlling unit is also configured to monitor the current and voltage of the plurality of loads using the current sensors and the voltage sensors.

[0026] According to another aspect, the invention provides a method for operating the system for energy management in the microgrid cluster. At one step, the sensed data from the at least one current sensor and the at least one voltage sensor from at least one of the plurality of loads is received by the controlling unit. At another step, the electrical parameters are displayed to the user by the controlling unit through the display module for alerting the user.

[0027] At another step, at least one instruction is received by the controlling unit from the user device provided by the user through the network via the global system for mobile communication (GSM) module. In specific, the user device is in communication with the controlling unit through the network via the GSM module. At another step, at least one of the plurality of microgrids is regulated by the controlling unit based on the received instructions through the two-channel relay module for activating and deactivating the at least one of the plurality of loads.

[0028] Further, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from a study of the following portion of the specification, the claims, and the attached drawings.
Detailed description of drawings:
[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and, together with the description, explain the principles of the invention.

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a microgrid energy management system, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart of a method for operating a system for energy management in a microgrid cluster, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
Detailed invention disclosure:
[0032] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps.

[0033] The present disclosure has been made with a view towards solving the problem with the prior art described above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a microgrid energy management system that optimizes energy production and consumption, thereby reducing energy costs and environmental impact.

[0034] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 1 refers to a block diagram of the microgrid energy management system 100. The microgrid energy management system 100 is reliable, safe and energy efficient. The microgrid energy management system 100 recovers rapidly from disruptions and increases uptime by preventing unexpected outages.

[0035] The microgrid energy management system 100 enhances maintenance and extends the life of electrical assets. The microgrid energy management system 100 is easy to control. The microgrid energy management system 100 shares power from one microgrid to another microgrid and avoids creating much burden on the utility grid. The microgrid energy management system 100 develops low-cost IoT-based energy management for microgrid clusters. The microgrid energy management system 100 analyzes collected electrical parameter data and maintains optimum energy procurement.

[0036] In one embodiment herein, the system 100 for energy management in a microgrid cluster comprises plurality of microgrids (102A, 102B), a controlling unit 110, a GSM module 112, a display module 114, a utility grid 116, a two-channel relay module 118, plurality of loads (120A, 120B), at least one current sensor (122A, 122B), at least one voltage sensor (124A, 124B), a user device 126 and a network 128. The plurality of microgrids (102A, 102B) is configured to produce and distribute electrical power. The plurality of microgrids (102A, 102B) comprises a first microgrid 102A and a second microgrid 102B. Each of the microgrids (102A, 102B) comprises a solar panel (104A, 104B), a battery (106A, 106B), and an inverter (108A, 108B).

[0037] In one embodiment herein, the solar panels (104A, 104B) are configured to collect sunlight and convert the collected sunlight into electrical power. The battery (106A, 106B) is configured to store electrical power generated by the solar panels (104A, 104B).The inverter (108A, 108B) is configured to convert the stored power from a direct current (DC) to an alternate current (AC). The plurality of loads (120A, 120B) are electrically connected to the plurality of microgrids (102A, 102B), respectively, through the two-channel relay module 118. In specific, the two-channel relay module 118 can be manufactured from at least one of phosphor bronze and beryllium bronze.

[0038] In one embodiment herein, the plurality of loads (120A, 120B) comprises a first load 120A and a second load 120B. The plurality of loads (120A, 120B) are electrically connected to the utility grid 116, which is charged upon deactivating at least one of the plurality of microgrids (102A, 102B). In specific, each of the plurality of loads (120A, 120B) comprises the at least one current sensor (122A, 122B) and the at least one voltage sensor (124A, 124B). The controlling unit 110 is in communication with each of the microgrids (102A, 102B), the GSM module 112 and the display module 114. The display module 114 is configured to display the electrical parameters to the user. In specific, the electrical parameters include power consumption and generation data within each of the microgrids (102A, 102B).

[0039] In one embodiment herein, the controlling unit 110 is electrically connected with each of the microgrids (102A, 102B). The controlling unit 110 includes at least one of Arduino Uno, Arduino Nano and Arduino Mega. Here, the controlling unit 110 is the Arduino Uno microcontroller. The controlling unit 110 is configured to receive sensed data from the at least one current sensor (122A, 122B) and the at least one voltage sensor (124A, 124B) from the at least one of the plurality of loads (120A, 120B). The controlling unit 110 is configured to display electrical parameters to the user through the display module 114 for alerting the user.

[0040] In one embodiment herein, the controlling unit 110 is configured to receive at least one instruction from the user device 126 provided by the user through the network 128 via the global system for mobile communication (GSM) module 112. In specific, the user device 126 includes at least one of a computer, a smartphone, a laptop, a mobile device and a personal digital assistant (PDA). The controlling unit 110 is configured to optimize power consumption within the microgrid cluster. The controlling unit 110 is configured to regulate at least one of the plurality of microgrids (102A, 102B) based on the received instructions through the two-channel relay module 118 for activating and deactivating the at least one of the plurality of loads (120A, 120B). In specific, the instructions from the user device 126 comprise instructions to control the power supplied to the utility grid 116.

[0041] In one embodiment herein, the controlling unit 110 which is in communication with the utility grid 116 controls the power that is supplied to the utility grid 116. The controlling unit 110 is also configured to monitor the current and voltage of the plurality of loads (120A, 120B) using the current sensors (122A, 122B) and the voltage sensors (124A, 124B). Furthermore, the controlling unit 110 predicts the power generated by the solar panels (104A, 104B) and adjusts the power consumption of the plurality of loads (120A, 120B) based on the predicted power generation. In specific, the system 100 is configured to operate with and without the utility grid 116.

[0042] In one embodiment herein, the Arduino Uno is an approach to connecting hardware and software devices to one another with unique identifiers (UIDs) and also having the capability to carry data through a network without human intervention. The Arduino Uno interconnected system comprises active smart devices that use implanted systems, such as communication hardware, sensors and processors, to fetch, drive and perform on the data. The Arduino Uno system transfers the sensor data to an IoT device for analysis.

[0043] In one embodiment herein, the controlling unit 110 communicates with other devices to perform analysis on the information received from one another. Furthermore, connectivity, networking and communication protocols are used with web-active devices, depending on certain IoT implementations. The Internet of Things (IoT) is utilized in order to monitor and track crucial data of the target environment. The integration of the Arduino Uno-based global system for mobile communication module 112 facilitates the real-time supervision and manipulation of power within the utility grid 116, which ensures the optimization of energy production efficiency.

[0044] In one example embodiment herein, the efficiency of microgrid energy management system 100 is substantially enhanced by collecting and analyzing IoT data from energy sources. Utilities may accelerate the process of investigating disruptions or outages, balancing loads, improving line voltage, finding faults or problems, reducing costs, and restoring service faster as part of operational responsibilities. The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology for electric vehicles (EVs), smart homes, energy storage systems (ESS), charging stations, and variable loads can enhance the scalability and reliability of the smart microgrid.

[0045] Table 1:
S. No Microgrid 1 Microgrid 2
1 First Load - ON Second Load - OFF (Battery 2 Charged)
2 First Load - OFF (Battery 1 Charged) Second Load - ON
3 First Load - ON Second Load - ON
4 First Load - OFF (Battery 1 Charged) Second Load - OFF (Battery 2 Charged)

[0046] Table 1 shows the activation and deactivation of the plurality of loads (120A, 120B) in each of the microgrids (102A, 102B).

[0047] Table 2:
S. No Microgrid 1 Microgrid 2 Utility Grid
1 First Load- ON Second Load - OFF (Battery 2 Charged) Utility Grid may or may not receive supply
2 First Load - OFF (Battery 1 Charged) Second Load - ON Utility Grid may or may not receive supply
3 First Load - ON Second Load - ON Supply not provided to the utility grid
4 First Load - OFF (Battery 1 Charged) Second Load - OFF (Battery 2 Charged) Supply given to the utility grid

[0048] Table 2 shows the activation and deactivation of the plurality of loads (120A, 120B) in each of the microgrids (102A, 102B). In specific, the table 2 depicts the operation of the microgrids (102A, 102B) with the utility grid 116.

[0049] In one example embodiment herein, in first case, when the first load 120A is in ON state and the second load 120B is in OFF state, the battery 106B of the second microgrid 102B charges, and the utility grid 116 may or may not receive power supply. In second case, when the first load 120A is in the OFF state and the second load 120B is in the ON state, the battery 106A of the first microgrid 102A charges, and the utility grid 116 may or may not receive power supply.

[0050] In one embodiment herein, in third case, when the first load 120A and the second load 120B are in the ON state, the batteries (108A, 108B) do not charge and the utility grid 116 does not receive power supply. Finally, in fourth case, when the first load 120A and the second load 120B are in the OFF state, the batteries (108A, 108B) charge and the utility grid 116 receives power supply. In specific, the instructions for the ON or OFF state are provided by the user through the user device 126.

[0051] According to another embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 refers to a flow chart 200 of a method for operating the system 100 for energy management in the microgrid cluster. At step 202, the sensed data from the at least one current sensor (122A, 122B) and the at least one voltage sensor (124A, 124B) from at least one of the plurality of loads (120A, 120B) is received by the controlling unit 110. At step 204, the electrical parameters are displayed to the user by the controlling unit 110 through the display module 114 for alerting the user.

[0052] At step 206, at least one instruction is received by the controlling unit 110 from the user device 126 provided by the user through the network 128 via the global system for mobile communication (GSM) module 112. In specific, the user device 126 is in communication with the controlling unit 110 through the network 128 via the GSM module 112. At step 208, at least one of the plurality of microgrids (102A, 102B) is regulated by the controlling unit 110 based on the received instructions through the two-channel relay module 118 for activating and deactivating the at least one of the plurality of loads (120A, 120B).

[0053] Numerous advantages of the present disclosure may be apparent from the discussion above. In accordance with the present disclosure, the microgrid energy management system 100 with Arduino Uno-based power monitoring is disclosed. The proposed microgrid energy management system 100 integrates microgrids (102A, 102B) with the utility grid 116 to optimize energy production and consumption, thereby reducing energy costs and environmental impact. The proposed microgrid energy management system 100 is reliable, safe and energy efficient. The proposed microgrid energy management system 100 recovers from outages quickly and improves uptime by avoiding unplanned outages.

[0054] The proposed microgrid energy management system 100 enhances maintenance and extends the life of the electrical assets. The proposed microgrid energy management system 100 is easy to control. The proposed microgrid energy management system 100 shares power from one microgrid to another microgrid and avoids creating much burden on the utility grid. The proposed microgrid energy management system 100 develops low-cost IoT-based energy management for microgrid clusters. The proposed microgrid energy management system 100 analyzes collected electrical parameter data and maintains optimum energy procurement.

[0055] It will readily be apparent that numerous modifications and alterations can be made to the processes described in the foregoing examples without departing from the principles underlying the invention, and all such modifications and alterations are intended to be embraced by this application.
,CLAIMS:CLAIMS:
I/We Claim:
1. A microgrid energy management system (100) for energy management in a microgrid cluster, comprising:
plurality of microgrids (102A, 102B) configured to produce and distribute electrical power, wherein the plurality of microgrids (102A, 102B) comprises a first microgrid (102A) and a second microgrid (102B), wherein each of the microgrid (102A, 102B) comprises:
a solar panel (104A, 104B) configured to collect sunlight and convert the collected sunlight into electrical power;
a battery (106A, 106B) configured to store electrical power generated by the solar panel (104A, 104B); and
an inverter (108A, 108B) configured to convert the stored power from a direct current (DC) to an alternate current (AC);
plurality of loads (120A, 120B) electrically connected to the plurality of microgrids (102A, 102B), respectively, through a two-channel relay module (118);
a controlling unit (110) electrically connected with each of the microgrids (102A, 102B), wherein the controlling unit (110) is configured to:
receive sensed data from at least one current sensor (122A, 122B) and at least one voltage sensor (124A, 124B) from at least one of plurality of the loads (120A, 120B);
display electrical parameters to a user through a display module (114) for alerting a user;
receive at least one instruction from a user device (126) provided by the user through a network (128) via a global system for mobile communication (GSM) module (112); and
regulate at least one of the plurality of microgrids (102A, 102B) based on the received instructions through the two-channel relay module (118) for activating and deactivating the at least one of the plurality of loads (120A, 120B).
2. The microgrid energy management system (100) for energy management in a microgrid cluster as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controlling unit (110) includes at least one of Arduino Uno, Arduino Nano and Arduino Mega.
3. The microgrid energy management system (100) for energy management in a microgrid cluster as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two-channel relay module (118) can be manufactured by at least one of phosphor bronze and beryllium bronze.
4. The microgrid energy management system (100) for energy management in a microgrid cluster as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of loads (120A, 120B) is electrically connected to a utility grid (116), which is charged upon deactivating at least one of the plurality of microgrids (102A, 102B).
5. The microgrid energy management system (100) for energy management in a microgrid cluster as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of loads (120A, 120B) comprises the at least one current sensor (122A, 122B) and the at least one voltage sensor (124A, 124B).
6. The microgrid energy management system (100) for energy management in a microgrid cluster as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user device (126) includes at least one of a computer, a smartphone, a laptop, a mobile device and a personal digital assistant (PDA).
7. The microgrid energy management system (100) for energy management in a microgrid cluster as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display module (114) is configured to display the electrical parameters to the user, wherein the electrical parameters include power consumption and generation data within each of the microgrids (102A, 102B).
8. A method for operating a microgrid energy management system (100) for energy management in a microgrid cluster comprising:
receiving, by a controlling unit (110), sensed data from at least one current sensor (122A, 122B) and at least one voltage sensor (124A, 124B) from at least one of plurality of loads (120A, 120B);
displaying, by the controlling unit (110), electrical parameters to a user through a display module (114) for alerting a user;
receiving, by the controlling unit (110), at least one instruction from a user device (126) provided by the user through a network (128) via a global system for mobile communication (GSM) module (112); and
regulating, by the controlling unit (110), at least one of plurality of microgrids (102A, 102B) based on the received instructions through a two-channel relay module (118) for activating and deactivating the at least one of the plurality of loads (120A, 120B).
9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the user device (126) is in communication with the controlling unit (110) through a network (128) via the GSM module (112).