The concept of Energy Internet has emerged from the limitless possibilities of energy sharing networks formed by interconnection of electricity producers cum consumers (prosumers) with renewable energy sources/systems, electric loads, and storage devices. Energy Internet represents a radical transformation of traditional electricity system by orchestrating real-time bidirectional power, communication, and money flows. This transformation is expected to be resultant of ongoing renewable energy transitions and evolution in the energy technologies such as smart grids, storage devices, vehicle-togrid, etc. Energy Internet will rely on wide spectrum of Information and Communication Technologies such as Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchains, Payment Interfaces, etc. These technologies have achieved a state of evolution to facilitate seamless bidirectional flows in the Energy Internet. This paper has attempted to study the aptness of Energy Internet for a transitioning electricity system by focusing on national electricity systems across the globe. Firstly, study delves into discussion on studies related to smart grids since it is the precursor of Energy Internet, and various other studies which discuss the developments that likely to enable smooth transition of present electricity system to Energy Internet. Secondly, a systematic review of literature related to state-of-the-art of Energy Internet is performed to outline its structure, operational features and energy market mechanisms. We find that while system infrastructures, technologies, and operational principles across globe are adequately ready for the transition to Energy Internet, hindrances put forth by the policies, regulations, government agencies and institutions need to be addressed to realize a nationwide Energy Internet.
Energy Internet, a futuristic evolution of electricity system, is conceptualized as an energy sharing network. Its features, such as plug-and-play mechanism, real-time bidirectional flow of energy, information, and money can lead to significant benefits and innovation in electricity production and utilization. Energy Internet integrates small-scale renewable energy systems, electric loads, storage devices, and electric vehicles for effective transaction of power backed by emerging technologies such as Internet of Things, vehicle-to-grid, and blockchain. At present, there is no scaled-up working model of Energy Internet, and literature is scarce, which makes the research in this domain significant, novel, and timely. Given this, an attempt is made to develop the conceptual model of an Energy Internet, elaborate its structure and components, and discuss its operational principles. First, a comprehensive overview of Energy Internet is presented along with its aptness as a future evolution of electricity system. Second, concepts, architectures, and features that underpin Energy Internet are outlined. Third, concept of ‘Energy Intranet’ is introduced to denote the scaled-down version of Energy Internet, which embodies energy prosumers and local energy markets to form a local energy cluster. Finally, discussion is presented on the network structure of Energy Internet, relevance of emerging technologies and innovative operational mechanisms.
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