IoT middleware platforms as enablers for innovative energy services

Future intelligent energy systems will merge into an integrated overall system that must intelligently connect various sectors, (decentralized) generation facilities, and energy storage. The growing availability of various energy-relevant data presents a significant potential to operate existing systems more economically and ecologically efficiently. This requires an infrastructure where energy and information are seamlessly transmitted in real time to enable a reliable and economically viable energy supply. Internet of Things (IoT) systems are the backbone and an enabler of these intelligent systems. In the area of neighborhood energy systems, fundamental questions have not yet been adequately addressed. These include (i) privacy and security aspects, (ii) functional and non-functional requirements for IoT platforms from the perspective of various stakeholders, and (iii) underlying ontologies. However, these aspects must be addressed to implement IoT technology and related innovative technologies and energy services, such as digital twins, self-learning algorithms for control, optimization, and diagnostics, in real-world applications. A large part of the findings can be transferred to solutions for larger units (regions, cities).

The goal of WhichWay is the systematic analysis and comparison of IoT platforms for the digitalization of the energy system. Together with international experts, both functional and non-functional requirements for IoT platforms will be defined from the perspective of various stakeholders. These requirements will be validated using the real neighborhood "My Smart City Graz." The project serves as preparation for future research and development endeavors in the field of intelligent, integrated energy systems.