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Leveraging XMPP Short Messaging

Micro-grids are in the early stages of being introduced to building energy management applications. The opportunity to combine different energy sources, such as combined heat and power (CHP) generators, solar cells, batteries, and even supercaps, is the first step to a successful alternative energy source for building power. Micro-grid management networks are designed to synchronize multiple energy sources with the Grid, and with building loads. Tying building loads to the micro-grid is a separate challenge, one that can double the effectiveness of a micro-grids during peak energy usage periods. This paper describes a methodology to connect multiple sources to the Grid, and buildings to the sources using XMPP short messaging protocol. It resolves both source and load management issues using widely applied Open Source software.

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Power Connections

Micro-grid building power connections can be viewed as a collection of equipment wired in parallel with the primary Grid collection. The diagram in Figure 1 explains power flow but must be extended for micro-grid power management.

Management Connection

Linking energy sources and loads changes the connection diagram. Sources must connect to loads and loads must respond to instructions from sources. Building energy usage and demand becomes a monitored component of the micro-grid the same as other energy sources.

Building interval data adds to understanding how energy is used throughout the day and week. Intervals can range from seconds to minutes to help allocate energy between alternative sources and loads on the micro-grid. Building automation systems, when available, can be used to expedite control and monitoring of HVAC environmental equipment. Conceptually the process is simple. In practice there are a number of considerations.

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