Smart grid and internet of things (IoT) in smart charging

“The future is already here. It’s just not quite equally distributed yet.”

William Gibson

The phrase attributed to science fiction writer William Gibson seems tailor-made when it comes to smart grid management and smart charging stations.

Let’s go into detail to understand what “smart grids” are and the practical applications and benefits.

Definition of Smart Grid

Literally “Smart Grid,” the first definition speaks of the smart grid as a tool that enables the use and application of digital and communication technologies to the power grid and is contained in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA 2007). *

The smart grid concept should be linked to the dynamics of the energy transition and stems from the link between IT and the electricity sector.

Technically, a smart grid (smart grid) consists of a set of power grids and other technologies that can safely and efficiently monitor and manage the distribution of electricity and direct connection from generation sources to energy communities.

Smart charging and energy communities

We talked about smart, community-powered energy columns and renewable sources more generally in a recent article.

It is about participating in the ongoing paradigm shift by gaining and not losing: both economically and technologically.

In particular, with the approval of the European Delegation Act 2019-2020*, the promotion of renewable energy sources is highlighted with the resulting simplification for the installation of electric car charging stations

What changes in the new law for self-consumption and renewables:

Among the objectives:

  1. Promoting self-consumption of energy: reducing dependence on fossil fuels and increasing energy efficiency.
  2. Spreading renewables: fighting climate change and meeting EU targets.
  3. Developing electric mobility: more charging stations for electric vehicles.

“We are also witnessing the development of the electric car market, which will involve a wide spread and ubiquity of the distribution network for electric car charging. The vulnerability of these networks is a critical issue that impacts the cybersecurity of mobility and in the electric grid going through a digital transition phase.”

(Digital Agenda)

Synergy between smart grids and 5G

And it is again Digital Agenda that stresses the importance of synergy between smart grids and 5G, in the context of integration with theInternet of Things. Here’s how it works.

The integration of state-of-the-art grid technologies with telecommunications infrastructure and the Smart Grid emerges as a paradigm for a resilient and modern power system.

The benefits are numerous, but not without cybersecurity challenges.

Benefits of 5G in energy networks:

  • Greater control and flexibility: Software Defined Network (SDN) technology enables real-time network management and reconfiguration, countering threats and optimizing performance.
  • Advanced security: 5G network slicing architecture isolates and protects critical components*, such as strategic infrastructure or users with mission-critical needs.
  • Energy efficiency: 5G reduces network power consumption*, benefiting the durability of connected devices and cybersecurity through more stringent standards.

Cybersecurity challenges:

  • Vulnerable legacy components: The main threat lies in already installed IoT devices, which often lack adequate security measures and cannot be updated.
  • Data attack: Data management and interoperability with intelligent nodes connected to telecommunications networks expose the system to new threats.
  • Skills shortage: The industry needs professionals with specific skills in IoT and cybersecurity.

Current and future solutions:

  • R&D: Machine learning-based solutions for network behavior analysis and integration with 5G and blockchain* are being developed.

  • ENISA Guidelines.
    : The document provides best practices for IoT security in electrical distribution networks.
  • Economic Incentives: The World Economic Forum proposes to support the development and upgrade of IoT devices through market incentives.

5G and ultimately stands as a driver with considerable potential for the development of a more robust and secure electricity system. The key to the emergence of this technology, seems to lie in overcoming critical issues in the area of information security.

In this regard, there is a need for, collaboration between manufacturers, standards bodies and governments with the aim of making safe devices and raising awareness of their use.

 

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We provide qualified and certified electricians.

This ensures maximum expertise and knowledge of charging station installers on standards and specifications for electric vehicle charging.

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As the years go by, this history can also help us to carry out any preventive maintenance actions that are useful to ensure that it is always in excellent working order.

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      Resources and sources:

      https://www.ansa.it/canale_ambiente/notizie/energia/2020/08/14/5g-e-consumo-energetico-i-vantaggi_dde8b097-b901-4af4-bcb3-e4d73808db50.html

      https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/il-5g-sfida-consumi-energetici-cosi-aiutera-contenere-costi-ed-emissioni-AERbxWPC

      https://www.cnr.it/sites/default/files/public/media/attivita/editoria/VOLUME%20FULL%2014%20digital%20LIGHT.pdf

      * https://edizionicafoscari.unive.it/media/pdf/books/978-88-6969-700-5/978-88-6969-700-5-ch-08.pdf

      Digital Agenda

      Featured Image Source: ENISA