VIMSEN: A modular gateway supporting decentralised, virtual micro-grid architectures

Nowadays, energy production/distribution moves from the conventional, centralised operational framework towards more distributed/decentralised models. Such a distributed/decentralised framework for future smart energy networks based on the optimal formation of virtual micro-grids (VMGs) has been developed in the context of the VIMSEN (Virtual Microgrids for Smart Energy Networks) research project. This paper provides an overview of the VIMSEN concept while focusing on an innovative, modular gateway solution that fulfils the market players' requirements by incorporating energy management and communication services to support future smart energy network architectures.