Existing energy management functions for distribution systems are computational-intensive and increasingly complex with every new component added into the system. This project, which is a collaboration between the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and its industry partner DNV GL, aims at developing a light-weight, scalable hierarchical transactive energy management system that balances three sets of inputs: Supply (e.g. solar intermittency), demand-side (e.g. variable loads) and market price fluctuations. It includes an advanced Model Predictive Control (MPC)-based controller for coordinating multiple controllable loads and intermittent energy sources and an assessment tool to facilitate participation of loads in demand response market.

The proposed hierarchical transactive energy management system will improve coordination and control of intermittent distributed energy resources, and end-user energy efficiency. Such a responsive system will be piloted at the NTU campus. If successful, it could be plugged into current market applications (e.g. demand response and interruptible load bidding).