Smart in-building micro-grid for energy management

Lead Research Organisation: Manchester Metropolitan University
Department Name: School of Engineering

Abstract

The objective of the project is to combine power and communications over a single continuous wire, enabling advanced lighting control systems and Building Energy Management Systems that are easier and therefore cheaper to install and use ca. 50% less energy. The carrier for the power and communications is an intermediate Frequency AC (IFAC) power network. The consortium members Isotera (lead), Xsilon and Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) have complementary skills and knowledge adequate for the successful completion of this project. The combination of Xsilon's "Hanadu" powerline communications (PLC) technology with Isotera's IFAC system is potentially a breakthrough, making it a cost-effective (ca. 30% cheaper per node) alternative to wireless communication systems. The prime aim of this project is to create prototypes of the physical layer suitable for lab trials, design a model of the network for performance prediction
and a new relay algorithm to reduce transmit power and improve network coverage. Key challenges are efficient contactless signal transfer, power consumption, node cost and passive links between IFAC loops.

Planned Impact

There are a number of potential beneficiaries of this research beyond traditional academic dissemination. The key ones are:

1. Energy Management Industry
The results from this project can be used to enable a number of energy management applications, the most obvious being intelligent lighting controls - with high-density sensor networks minimising stand-by losses. Isotera, the lead company, sells an industry-leading stand-alone lighting control system through an international network of channel partners. This project will allow Isotera to complement its product range by offering networked lighting management systems through the same channels. Other applications enabled by this research are: (a) Real-time fine grain energy monitoring for optimising the occupant comfort versus energy efficiency trade-off; (b) Tactical deployment of Demand Response signal throughout buildings; (c) Cost-effective common control layer for lighting and other building controls. These applications require an increasing level of integration with the products and services of 3rd parties.

2. Powerline Communication (PLC) Industry
This project will investigate new techniques designed to increase the efficiency and reliability of PLC systems. The outcomes of this research will be of great value to UK companies involved in developing robust power line networks for the purpose of home automation. The proposed project will yield novel signal processing solutions in highly dynamic channels, which can be used to support various applications related to smart grids, such as smart metering, real-time sensing and monitoring for distributed generators and power plans. Research concepts developed during this project will underpin
efficient design of practical PLC system with relatively high throughput. These will have low transmission power, using an energy efficient relaying scheme to cover a wider range and operating within acceptable EMC limits level.

3. UK economy and society
The results achieved by this project will be industry-leading in terms of the cost (ca. 15 - 20% lower than traditional systems), and will strengthen the UK's position in the fast-growing global BEMS market. The results will also enable other UK-based companies to develop products and services, creating many more skilled jobs in the UK. All of this will have a positive effect on the UK's economic growth and balance of trade. The project will enable and stimulate the adoption of a number of BEMS applications, reducing energy consumption by up to 30%. The proposed system is more durable and does not require batteries. The results of this project will enable a better trade-off between energy conservation and occupant well-being: automation with a sense of personalised control. The UK economy and society will benefit indirectly, as the project aims to improve the way we use energy, thereby impacting positively on the country's contribution to reductions in global warming.

The impact will be achieved through the following:

1. Dissemination through professional and scientific publications.

2. Workshops will be held before each milestone for information dissemination and discussion. Representatives from industry and relevant partners will be invited to these workshops.

3. A Technology Advisory Group (TAG) will be set up to secure prospective end-user and specifier inputs. Hoare Lea, Laing O'Rourke, Anesco, Day-One Energy, Kiwi Power and EEVS have confirmed interest in joining the TAG and are already providing inputs. Information exchange with TAG members will be done through bilateral meetings and group workshops.

4. The consortium plan special dissemination activities to address selected user groups, application designers, lighting manufacturers, landlords, supermarkets, City councils, and non-technical audiences.

5. The project activities and progress will be promoted through the project web site. This will be the key project information hub.
 
Description The goal of the project is to use a network of sensors within a building communicating through a low cost powerline based technology (signalling through the mains power network) to reduce the energy consumption within that building.
Manchester Met University (MMU) role was to study the techniques being used in the powerline communication (PLC) network and to optimise the algorithms for the wiring topology employed in UK buildings, thereby promoting greater reliability and hence mass-market penetration.
Key findings/achievements include:
• Identified the effect of multi-hop relaying on the power line channel transfer function.
• New concept of multi-hopping or relaying, mathematical modelling compared to actual measurements of PLC channel
• Results of extensive channel measurements carried in buildings, both commercial and office environments.
• Result on the relationship between transmission power /energy consumption while using multiple relays.
• Intelligent algorithms for improving the energy efficiency in cooperative relaying PLC systems. Significant power consumption reductions were achieved with the proposed algorithms.
• Demonstration of 6LoPLC (low power PLC over IPv6 network)
• Demonstration of low-rate, low-power PLC suitable for low data rate application such as home energy management systems (HEMS)
• Results the effects of impulsive noise on HEMS applications eg temperature monitoring, near real-time energy consumption monitoring and control.
• Feasibility of low-power PLC for other applications e.g smart home and IoT
• Foster closer relationship with industry, which resulted in joint publication with Xsilon Ltd with potential partnership opportunities in future
• Strong research collaboration with research groups in industry and academia, both nationally and internationally, e.g., Nokia (Belgium), Jaguar Land Rover (UK), University of Oklahoma (USA), University of Manchester (UK), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST, Saud Arabia), University of Khartoum (Sudan), University of Klagenfurt (Austria), University of Nazarbayev (Kazakhstan) and Ryerson University, Toronto, ON (Canada).
• The outcomes from this project have not only resulted in publications but also provided useful insights into other areas worthy of investigation at the end of the project.
• Two (2) PhD students registered and in the research area because of this project. Two (3) master's degree and two (2) undergraduate students carried out final year research project related to this topic.
.Two PhD completed and went on the do post doc and recently got a Lectureship position
- Three Post docs that work on the project have moved on to be Lecturer
Exploitation Route -The project successfully delivered a network of sensors in the laboratory, initially controlling lighting circuits.
-The smart microgrid laboratory (established during this project) has become a hands-on training facility for a growing number of BEng and MSc students undertaking research projects in PLC.
- Adoption of PLC for monitoring and control in energy management systems could potentially reduce energy wastage.

- One of the industrial partners, PhotonStar LED Ltd has successfully taken the building automation system researched as part of this project and produced a product, halcyon CloudBMS, which links together environmental sensors, actuators and LED lighting in a building to reduce energy consumption. It had an initial deployment with IBM in their Hursley Research centre and most recently a first commercial installation with a major UK student accommodation provider.
-Secondly together Xsilon and PhotonStar have built a demonstrator system which successfully communicates sensor and lighting system information across a network including both powerline and wireless systems based upon a combination of the Halcyon and HAN9250 products.
Sectors Construction

Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software)

Electronics

Energy

Environment

Retail

 
Description A. Three researcher employed in this project have all gained permanent lectureship positions B. Two PG obtained PhDs C. Three MSc students completed their research projects on this topic
Sector Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Education,Electronics,Energy
Impact Types Societal

Economic

 
Description CityVerve
Amount £10,000,000 (GBP)
Funding ID 102561 
Organisation Innovate UK 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 05/2016 
End 03/2019
 
Description UK-S Korea EPSRC Partnership
Amount £980,000 (GBP)
Funding ID EP/N03466X/1 
Organisation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 08/2016 
End 10/2019
 
Description MMU_Photon_Xsilon 
Organisation PhotonStar LED
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution As a result of this grant Manchester Metropolitan University is in partnership with Xsilon Ltd ( manufacturer of Powerline Communication modems) and Photostars LED ( manufacture of LED luminaries) to develop smart micro grid for building.
Collaborator Contribution The Xsilon team brings practical experience in PLC modem developement, project management, and explotation, while Photostars brings the expertise in the areas of LED design, end users engagement and technology integration
Impact We now have a PLC modem from Xsilon; LED and sensors for Photstars fro testing/measurement and further research
Start Year 2013
 
Description MMU_Photon_Xsilon 
Organisation Xsilon Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution As a result of this grant Manchester Metropolitan University is in partnership with Xsilon Ltd ( manufacturer of Powerline Communication modems) and Photostars LED ( manufacture of LED luminaries) to develop smart micro grid for building.
Collaborator Contribution The Xsilon team brings practical experience in PLC modem developement, project management, and explotation, while Photostars brings the expertise in the areas of LED design, end users engagement and technology integration
Impact We now have a PLC modem from Xsilon; LED and sensors for Photstars fro testing/measurement and further research
Start Year 2013
 
Description Chair of Organising Committee and hosted the 2018 and 2023 IEEE International Symposium on Power Line Communications and its Applications (ISPLC) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The IEEE International Symposium on Power Line Communications and its Applications (ISPLC) is the symposium dedicated to scientific and technical advances in the field of communications over power lines. The event is sponsored by the IEEE Communications Society (IEEE ComSoc). The conference were held Manchester, United Kingdom. One of the main features of ISPLC is strong industry participation; it brings together researchers, practitioners and users of PLC technology, and a series of keynote and experts' panel talks, as well as an Industry Exhibit centered on PLC for Smart Grids
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018,2023
URL https://isplc2023.ieee-isplc.org/
 
Description Invited Speaker at 2017 UK Construction Week 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact I spoke about the use of Electric Cable Networks as Information Highway for Smart In-building Lighting Control and Energy Management Systems at the UK con
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL https://www.ukconstructionweek.com/component/seminars/speaker/401?tmpl=component&showid=5