Smart energy and next generation buildings are one of FabCity’s key topics and the Zenodys team was invited there to provide a microgrid demand response power management solution.Next generation buildings are built with a purpose to be energy sustainable and include power-generation capabilities, windmills, solar panels, self-sufficient units, etc. These buildings can generate their own power. However, when connected to a microgrid, other opportunities open up: power exchange among buildings, common storage facility, smart power management, etc. This will become an important part of the future smart cities.Microgrids are a promising concept and are expected to become one of the main energy sources in the future. In order to function as intended, microgrids must be efficiently managed with smart demand response algorithms.The aim of a microgrid is to be as self-sufficient as possible. However, this is not always the case. When the sun shines and there is plenty of wind, the participants generate their own power. But on cloudy or windless days green energy is not always available. To compensate for this, a microgrid also features a battery that stores surplus energy and provides backup power when needed.

There are many sources of electricity available nowadays. In addition to a number of Utility distributors, there is also sun, wind, various co-generation options, etc. Power can also be stored in batteries, facilities or cars. However each of those sources has it’s specifics – the sun doesn’t always shine and wind doesn’t always blow, a battery can get empty… Utility grid is always available, however, power from the grid may be expensive. The challenge that we face next is – how to use those power sources to get the most of them and to justify the investment.