Towards a real digital power system: An energy packet approach

The actual transformation of the energy system is calling for a paradigmatically new operational concept, in view of system stability, vulnerability and resilience. This paper presents a possible vision based on the concept of Energy Packet. The Energy Packet concept will allow the grid to operate in a way very similar to the Internet. After reviewing previous concepts that supports this vision, the paper focuses on specific preliminary results that underpin the vision and show how a complete new operational idea could be implemented in the future. Considerations on the broader consequences of the new approach are also discussed presenting a vision that goes beyond electricity and beyond the strictly technical view.