Smart in-building micro-grid for energy management

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.

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.