The traditional electricity model, characterised by a unidirectional flow of energy from large power stations to consumption points, has gradually become obsolete. It is increasingly being replaced by dynamic electrical installations, defined by intelligent systems capable of making decisions in real time, with the aim of optimising generation and consumption and saving energy. This evolution is giving rise to new concepts for which there were no terms in conventional language.
One such concept is that of the prosumer (a combination of producer and consumer), formally defined in the international standard IEC 60364. In this role, the user ceases to be a passive actor who only receives energy and becomes an active agent. As a prosumer, they would generate their own electricity —usually from renewable sources— store it in batteries and decide when to consume it, feed it into the general grid or even share it on local grids.
Another concept that has emerged in the wake of advances in energy production and consumption is the Power Control System (PCS). This is a system that electronically controls currents to prevent overloads in conductors and protection devices. The PCS continuously and actively limits the power demand—whether from a single or multiple sources—thus reducing dependence on static and traditional load calculations in a facility.
Interoperability is perhaps another of those concepts that is gaining momentum with the advancement of energy technologies. It consists of the ability of all system components — batteries, inverters, control systems and electrical loads — to communicate with each other securely and reliably.
At the same time, concepts such as cybersecurity are becoming indispensable, since these are connected systems with automatic decision-making capabilities that need to be protected. Unauthorised access, configuration errors or direct attacks could otherwise compromise the continuity of supply or the physical security of the facility.
By Juan Carlos Soria, senior MEP engineer in the Architecture Department at Amusement Logic.
