Integrating Constrained MQTT Devices into IoT Platforms for Smart Local Energy Communities

In order to achieve energy flow optimization, Energy Communities have to rely on real-time measuring data that is usually provided by so-called Internet of Things (IoT) platforms. Constrained devices are especially difficult to integrate into these frameworks, because of their limited configuration options. In this paper, we propose a system design that uses principles from the Web of Things (WoT) and the Sparkplug specification to accomplish a higher level of interoperability. The proposed system design facilitates the integration of constrained MQTT devices into a standardized and normalized topic and payload structure. Furthermore, it is capable of augmenting constrained devices to support state management through birth and death certificate messages. As a proof of concept, the integration into the IoT platform FIWARE is demonstrated.

I. Introduction

Local Energy Communities (LECs) are a key component in the green energy transition. They were first recognized by the European Union in the Clean energy for all Europeans policy package in 2019 [1]. In their current form, many existing LECs act as a net metering infrastructure, where consumed and produced energy is metered regularly.