THe energy-efficient operation of microgrids—a localized grouping of consuming loads (domestic appliances, EVs, etc.) with distributed energy sources such as solar photovoltaic panels—suggests the deployment of Energy Management Systems (EMSs) that enable the actuation of controllable microgrid loads coupled with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. Such tools are capable of optimizing the aggregated performance of the microgrid in an automated manner, based on an extensive network of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). Modular adaptable/dynamic building envelope (ADBE) solutions have been proven an effective solution—exploiting free façade areas instead of roof areas—for extending the thermal inertia and energy harvesting capacity in existing buildings of different nature (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.). This study presents the PLUG-N-HARVEST holistic workflow towards the delivery of an automatically controllable microgrid integrating active ADBE technologies (e.g., PVs, HVACs). The digital platform comprises cloud AI services and functionalities for energy-efficient management, data healing/cleansing, flexibility forecasting, and the security-by-design IoT to efficiently optimize the overall performance in near-zero energy buildings and microgrids. The current study presents the effective design and necessary digital integration steps towards the PLUG-N-HARVEST ICT platform alongside real-life verification test results, validating the performance of the platform.

The description of the functionality of a smart grid’s architectural concept, analyzing different Smart Grid (SG) scenarios without disrupting the smooth operation of the individual processes, is a major challenge. The field of smart energy grids has been increasing in complexity since there are many stakeholder entities with diverse roles. Electric Vehicles (EVs) can transform the stress on the energy grid into an opportunity to act as a flexible asset. Smart charging through an external control system can have benefits for the energy sector, both in grid management and environmental terms. A suitable model for analyzing and visualizing smart grid use cases in a technology-neutral manner is required. This paper presents a flexible architecture for the potential implementation of electromobility as a distributed storage asset for the grid’s capacity optimization by applying the Use Case and Smart Grid Architecture Model (SGAM) methodologies. The use case scenario of booking a charge session through a mobile application, as part of the TwinERGY Horizon 2020 project, is deployed to structure the SGAM framework layers and investigate the applicability of the SGAM framework in the integration of electromobility as a distributed storage asset into electricity grids with the objective of enhanced flexibility and decarbonization.

E-mobility is a key element in the future energy systems. The capabilities of EVs are many and vary since they can provide valuable system flexibility services, including management of congestion in transmission grids. According to the literature, leaving the charging process uncontrolled could hinder some of the present challenges in the power system. The development of a suitable charging management system is required to address different stakeholders’ needs in the electro-mobility value chain. This paper focuses on the design of such a system, the TwinEV module, that offers high-value services to electric vehicles (EV) users. This module is based on a Smart Charging Tool (SCT), aiming to deliver a more user-central and cooperative approach to the EV charging processes. The methodology of the SCT tool, as well as the supportive optimization algorithm, are explained thoroughly. The architecture and the web applications of TwinEV module are analyzed. Finally, the deployment and testing results are presented.