Management Challenges and Opportunities for Energy Cloud Development and Diffusion

Abstract

The use of emerging technologies such as cloud computing, Internet of Things, and Big Data, is increasing as tools to assist the management of data and information related to energy systems grow. This allows for greater flexibility, scalability of solutions, optimization of energy use, and management of energy devices. In this sense, the objective of this research is to present the basic elements and requirements for the energy cloud and its management and discuss the main management challenges and opportunities for the development and diffusion of the energy cloud. This study was based on a systematic review carried out to identify the elements that compose the energy cloud and what is necessary for its management, and to list the challenges and opportunities that may be explored by researchers and practitioners. The results show that the layout for the energy cloud and its management can be structured in layers and management support blocks’ format. It was found that 70 basic elements make up the main layers and 36 basic elements make up the management support blocks. The findings of this article also provide insights into the technical, scientific, and management development necessary for the evolution of energy systems toward the cloud computing environment.

Proposal for a new layer for energy cloud management: The regulatory layer

“…In this sense, the EC allows the dynamic integration of different technologies in an intelligent network environment 25 . The EC scenario relies on cloud computing.…”

“…As it is a recent topic, the research area focused on EC is still being developed. The basic elements and requirements for the EC and its management were studied, 25 as well as the migration of Industrial Energy Management Systems to the cloud 23 . The authors also concluded that the application of these technologies can generate new opportunities for saving energy and costs.…”

“…In Reference 25 survey, the EC layout was structured in layers and support blocks. This layout is composed of seven layers that make up the energy and data system itself, from the physical installations for energy generation, distribution, storage, and consumption, through the communication links with the cloud, the transformation of data into useful knowledge for decision‐making, and the monitoring and control of these energy devices.…”

“…For the latter to work, it is necessary to have a regulatory aspect in force for all layers, so that the audit becomes possible and efficient. Table 1 comprises all layers with a brief explanation of each layer and consists of the findings of the research by Reference 25.…”

A Scientometric Approach to Analyze Scientific Development on Renewable Energy Sources

“…Sustainable energy generation holds great promise for resolving current energy and environmental challenges (Hu et al, 2017) together with strategies for managing limited energy resources (Schaefer et al, 2020). The main goal of increasing the spread and use of renewable energy generation systems is to reduce the use of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions (Roselli et al, 2019).…”