Ramón Alvarez ¹, Jose Araque ¹, Javier E. Sierra ¹

Affiliations
1 Faculty of Engineering, Universidad de Sucre, Cra 28 # 5-267, Sincelejo, CO

Abstract

Objective: To optimize energy consumption in a home, through a new architecture that incorporates a Home Energy Management System (HEMS) and a decision algorithm that takes into account a mathematical model that includes different automated electronic devices. Methods: We propose a new architecture for a Home Energy Management System (HEMS), which includes a WEB server, interconnection with the different electrical and electronic devices through the Wi- Fi network or Power Line Communications (PLC), and automated electronic devices employing arduinos. Additionally, a mathematical model is proposed to define the decision algorithm, as to which is the best profile or scenario that should be set in the home to minimize the cost of energy. The model takes into account the electricity service rate. Findings: We simulate the proposed model in architecture with 8 electronic devices, evaluating 4 scenarios or user profiles, which take into account the demand of each one, as well as the cost of electric energy in the course of the day. In the software CPLEX, we evaluated the mathematical model and this allowed determining the costs of each scenario, according to the demand in different time slots. The simulation results show that with the proposed architecture and the decision algorithm, fed by the results of the mathematical model, it is possible to minimize the cost of electric power in the home. Application: The proposed architecture can be implemented economically in the home, taking into account user profiles or the season of the year. The model allows minimizing the cost of electrical energy of a house, taking into account the electronic equipment that can be planned and those of continuous operation.

Keywords

Energy Demand, Optimization, Smart Grids, Smart Home, HEMS.

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José Araque ¹, Ramón Alvarez ¹, Javier E. Sierra ¹

Affiliations
1 Faculty of Engineering, Universidad de Sucre, Cra. 28 # 5-267, Sincelejo, CO

Abstract

Objectives: This paper focuses on the reduction of harmonic content in the voltage output waveform of a 31 level asymmetric monophasic cascaded multilevel inverter using the Simulated Annealing Optimization (SAO) algorithm. Method: The SAO algorithm was used to find the appropriate switching angles for the stages of the converter using MATLAB. First, the technique employed was simulated and evaluated; then, a prototype of the multilevel inverter was developed for validating the results obtained in simulation. Findings: The output waveform, the harmonic profile graphic, and THD evolution were obtained both the simulation and the prototype. The SAO algorithm allowed to calculate the appropriate switching angles for the asymmetric multilevel inverter, permitting to obtain a low THD (less than 5%), using a relatively low number of semiconductors compared with the symmetric topology. The SAO algorithm also allowed finding the solution of transcendental equations system through a heuristic approach, avoiding the local minima problem presented in traditional methods. Novelty /Improvement: The proposed method (SAO) avoids the potential issues with local minima present in traditional methods for the switching angles computation in cascaded multilevel inverters.

Keywords

Multilevel Inverter, Simulated Annealing, THD

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