CoChat
Sign Up
Cited by 90Smart Grid and Power SystemsMicrogrid Control and OptimizationPower Systems and Technologies

Innovative Multi-Layered Architecture for Heterogeneous Automation and Monitoring Systems: Application Case of a Photovoltaic Smart Microgrid

Open access
González, Isaías, Calderón, Antonio José, Portalo, José María·2021·Sustainability
DOI 10.3390/su13042234
Open this paper in CoChat — free accountOpen PDF

Abstract

Intelligent energy facilities, e.g., smart grids and microgrids are the evolution of traditional energy grids through digital transformation. These modern paradigms are expected to foster the utilization of renewable energies, sustainable development, and resilience of the power grid. A barrier found when deploying experimental smart grids and microgrids consists of handling the heterogeneity of the required hardware and software components as well as the available commercial equipment. Despite the fact that there is various architecture proposed in previous literature, it commonly lacks experimental validation, specification of involved equipment concerning industrial/proprietary or open-source nature, and concretization of communication protocols. To overcome such drawbacks, this paper proposes an innovative multi-layered architecture to deploy heterogeneous automation and monitoring systems for microgrids. The architecture is structured into six functional layers to organize the hardware and software equipment in an integrated manner. The open protocol Modbus TCP is chosen to harmonize communications, enabling the interconnection of equipment from industrial and energy scopes, indeed of open-source nature. An experimental photovoltaic-based smart microgrid is reported as the application case to demonstrate the suitability and validity of the proposal.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

The paper proposes a six-layer architecture for heterogeneous automation and monitoring in microgrids, using Modbus TCP as the common communication protocol. It validates the architecture on an experimental photovoltaic smart microgrid with proprietary and open-source equipment, demonstrating real-time data sharing and monitoring via Grafana.

Key findings

  • The proposed architecture is organized into six functional layers and uses Modbus TCP over Ethernet to integrate industrial/proprietary and open-source hardware and software.
  • The experimental PV microgrid included 6 monocrystalline modules of 185 W and 24 V, a PEM electrolyser up to 750 Ncm³/min, a 500 W PEM fuel cell, and a BYD B-Box lithium-ion battery of 5.12 kWh.
  • Validation showed successful Modbus TCP data exchange among a Raspberry Pi client, a Siemens PLC server, and a Victron CCGX server; Grafana dashboards displayed real-time and historical data.
  • On 30 December 2020, battery state of charge increased from 61% to 89% due to PV generation; PV module temperature measurements from Pt-100 and digital sensors differed by around 1 °C.

Methods

  • Design: a six-layer architecture comprising Supervisory Monitoring and Interaction, Data Record & Storage, Network Integration, Automation & DAQ, Distributed Protocols, and Sensors & Actuators, with Modbus TCP as the Network Integration backbone.
  • Data/sample: an experimental DC PV-hydrogen smart microgrid using Siemens S7-1516 PLC, ET200 DPS, Victron CCGX and BlueSolar MPPT 150/35, Raspberry Pi 4B, Arduino Mega 2560, BYD BMU, Netgear GS308 switch, and sensors listed in Table 2 (1 pyrometer, 1 anemometer, 1 Pt-100 ambient, 2 voltage dividers, 8 Hall-effect current sensors, 6 Pt-100 and 12 digital sensors for PV module temperature).
  • Analysis: deployment and experimental validation over 30–31 December 2020, with Modbus TCP register reads from the CCGX and PLC (e.g., SoC register at address 266, unit 225; irradiance at address 0, unit 1; port 502), storage in MariaDB on the Raspberry Pi, and visualization in Grafana.

Limitations

  • Stated: protocol converters may be needed for non-Modbus devices and could create bottlenecks with large data transfers; network performance and error metrics were not obtained; cybersecurity measures were not implemented; long-term performance, especially of open-source equipment, should be evaluated despite one year of continuous operation.
  • Evident: the experimental validation focuses on the PV-battery subsystem rather than the full microgrid, and the paper states that further work includes adding controllers and sensors for the rest of the microgrid components.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.3390/su13042234

Cites

47 of 47 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 21 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingnone given

    Both proprietary and open-source technologies can coexist, interconnected under the proposed architecture.

    “As has been highlighted, both proprietary and open-source technologies can coexist, interconnected under the proposed architecture.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingreasoning

    Six layers fully satisfied the functions that must be performed within energy automation and monitoring.

    “Namely, six layers fully satisfied the functions that must be performed within energy automation and monitoring.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    On the sunny day (December 30, 2020), the energy stored in the battery increased, with the state of charge growing from 61% to 89% due to PV generation.

    “On the sunny day, the energy stored in the battery increased, as shown by its SoC, which grew from 61% up to 89% due to the PV generation.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The Grafana-based monitoring interface allows the user/operator to see at a glance the magnitudes shared via Modbus in real-time.

    “The user/operator can see at a glance the magnitudes shared via Modbus in real-time; indeed, the data source is indicated between parentheses in the legend of each magnitude.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingreasoning

    In the experimental microgrid, a severe cost decrease was achieved by using the free software Grafana and MariaDB instead of commercial supervisory suites with licensing expenses.

    “In fact, in the experimental microgrid, a severe cost decrease was achieved by using the free software Grafana and MariaDB instead of commercial supervisory suites with licensing expenses.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 18
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 40

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    On the sunny day at 12:00, the load current increased, so the current received by the battery decreased because the PV modules were providing maximum possible current but it was not enough to satisfy both battery and load demand, slowing battery charge.

    “As can be seen, on the sunny day at 12:00, the current load increased, so the current received by the battery decreased.This was due to the fact that the PV modules were providing the maximum possible current, but it was not enough to fully satisfy the demand of both the battery and the load.Thus, the charge of battery was slowed.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingreasoning

    There is a difference of around 1°C between the Pt100 and digital temperature sensor curves, coherent with the different positions of the sensors.

    “There is a difference between both curves of around 1 • C, which is coherent with the different position of the sensors.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    In the viewed days, the current generated by a string of modules was zero because it had been disconnected.

    “In the viewed days, data of current generated by a string of modules were zero (orange color) due to the fact that it had been disconnected.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Both temperature values vary with the same trend, according to the irradiance curve for the sunny and cloudy days.

    “Both temperature values vary with the same trend, according to the irradiance curve for the sunny and the cloudy days.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    In the experimental microgrid, the RPi acted as Modbus client of the PLC and the CCGX, which played the role of Modbus servers.

    “Namely, the RPi acted as client of the PLC and of the CCGX; consequently, these latter devices played the role of Modbus servers.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    The monitoring system Grafana enables visualization of the gathered information in a user-friendly manner.

    “Indeed, the monitoring system Grafana enables visualization of the the gathered information in an user-friendly manner.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    At 16:00, the load current was reduced and consequently the current delivered to the battery increased.

    “At 16:00, the situation was the opposite; the load current was reduced and, consequently, the current delivered to the battery increased.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The current generated by the PV modules, once adapted by the solar charger, was devoted to fulfilling the load demand and charging the battery.

    “As can be visualized, the current generated by the PV modules (burgundy curve), once adapted by the solar charger, was devoted to fullfil the demand of the load and to charge the battery.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    The battery delivers the current required during a transient short interval until the MPPT charger adapts the PV power to the new demand, or when existing irradiance is insufficient to cover the load demand solely with PV-generated current.

    “current required during a transient short interval, until the MPPT charger adapts the power of the PV modules to the new demand, or when the existing irradiance is not enough to cover the load demand solely with the PV-generated current.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    The current demanded by the load changed according to a custom-designed profile.

    “In fact, the current demanded by the load changed according to a custom-designed profile (black color in Figure 13b).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingnone given

    Equipment devoted to automating and monitoring the PV-battery subsystem was orchestrated and deployed according to the layers defined in the proposed architecture.

    “Particularly, equipment devoted to automating and monitoring the PVbattery subsystem is orchestrated and deployed according to the layers defined in such architecture.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    The trend and interactions of power flows were the same as those observed for the currents depicted in Figure 13b.

    “The trend and interactions were the same as those observed for the currents depicted in Figure 13b.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    The Grafana-based monitoring interface allows the user/operator to select previous time intervals because the corresponding data are stored in the database.

    “They are also able to select previous time intervals because the corresponding data are stored in the DB; thus, it is rapidly displayed.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    Modbus TCP over an Ethernet network served as the physical means to implement the Network Integration layer in the experimental microgrid.

    “In this sense, Modbus TCP over an Ethernet network served as a physical means to implement the Network Integration layer.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Around the Modbus TCP network, interoperability is appropriately handled, and data transmission successfully performed.

    “Around the Modbus TCP network, interoperability is appropriately handled, and data transmission successfully performed.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Modbus TCP implements the integration of communications, allowing integrated and effective data exchange between the involved equipment.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Modbus TCP is considered ideal for situations involving a multiplicity of devices and software linked together over TCP/IP.

    “In this sense, the modern version is considered as ideal protocol for situations which involve a multiplicity of devices and software linked together over TCP/IP [41].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [41] Marquez, 2020, Easy and secure handling of sensors and actuators as cloud-based service, IEEE Access source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The present proposal contributes to addressing the gap between conceptual approaches and experimental facilities and provides concrete strategies and details to deploy heterogeneous automation and monitoring systems for microgrids.

    “In other words, the present proposal contributes to addressing the gap between conceptual approaches and experimental facilities as well as to provide concrete strategies and details to deploy heterogeneous automation and monitoring systems for microgrids.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationnone given

    The Data Record & Storage layer is responsible for accumulating the exchanged information.

    “The Data Record & Storage layer is responsible for accumulating the exchanged information.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationnone given

    The proposed architecture is structured into six functional layers to organize hardware and software equipment in an integrated manner.

    “The architecture is structured into six functional layers to organize the hardware and software equipment in an integrated manner.”
    • Also stated in: § 4. Proposed Multi-Layered Architecture · plain
      “The proposal is structured in six layers, as shown in Figure 3.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    There is a significant gap between academic concepts and the physical implementations of microgrids.

    “In this regard, as pointed by Gomes et al. [19], currently, there is a significant gap between academic concepts and the physical implementations of microgrids.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [19] Gomes, 2020, Microgrid management system based on a multi-agent approach: An office building pilot, Measurement source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Remote monitoring is a requirement for modern digitized energy facilities.

    “In fact, given the widespread connectivity through the network, remote monitoring is a requirement for modern digitized energy facilities [3].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [3] 2017, Novel remote monitoring platform for RES-hydrogen based smart microgrid, Energy Convers. Manag. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationnone given

    The Supervisory Monitoring and Interaction layer provides visualization functionalities through graphical data representation, alarm management, and direct interaction with the user.

    “The so-called Supervisory Monitoring and Interaction layer provides visualization functionalities through graphical data representation, alarm management, as well as direct interaction with the user.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The architecture developed in this work is a novelty in the literature and overcomes the identified limitations.

    “As can be observed, the architecture developed in this work is a novelty in the literature and overcomes the identified limitations.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Layered architecture is needed to evolve from the traditional grid to the intelligent grid and to handle interoperability.

    “In the energy context, layered architecture is needed to evolve from the traditional grid to the intelligent grid and to handle interoperability [18].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [18] Wu, 2015, Smart grids with intelligent periphery: An architecture for the energy internet, Engineering source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Modbus is the most used protocol in existing microgrids due to its simplicity and wide availability in energy-related commercial equipment.

    “Among the existing options, Modbus is the most used due to its simplicity [11], and its wide availability in energy-related commercial equipment.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [11] Cagnano, 2020, Microgrids: Overview and guidelines for practical implementations and operation, Appl. Energy source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    LabVIEW is generally applied for local monitoring in plants involving renewable energies.

    “Other commonly used software for plants involving renewable energies is LabVIEW, which is generally applied for local monitoring [52].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [52] Pereira, 2018, IoT embedded linux system based on raspberry Pi applied to real-time cloud monitoring of a decentralized photovoltaic plant, Measurement source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The integration of proprietary industrial and open-source equipment brings diverse benefits and empowers the development of innovative scenarios such as microgrids.

    “In this sense, the integration of proprietary industrial and open-source equipment brings diverse benefits and empowers the development of innovative scenarios such as microgrids [1].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [1] 2019, Integration of open source hardware Arduino platform in automation systems applied to smart grids/micro-grids, Sustain. Energy Technol. Assess.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Cyber-security measures have not been implemented in the proposal so far.

    “Cyber-security measures have not been implemented in the proposal so far; nonetheless, measures in this regard for vulnerabilities of the Modbus TCP network should be taken into account [55].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [55] Figueroa-Lorenzo, S., Añorga, J., and Arrizabalaga, S. (2019). A role-based access control model in modbus SCADA systems. A centralized model approach. Sensors, 19. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The adoption of the Modbus protocol provides a wide range of implementation options without replacing existing sensor and actuator devices.

    “As asserted in [47], the adoption of Modbus protocol provides a wide range of implementation options without replacing the existing sensor and actuator devices.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [47] Soetedjo, A., Nakhoda, Y.I., and Saleh, C. (2019). An embedded platform for testbed implementation of multi-agent system in building energy management system. Energies, 12. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Traditional monitoring and supervisory software are moving towards SQL databases.

    “In fact, traditional monitoring and supervisory software are moving towards Structured Query Language (SQL) databases [15], and open-source packages include in-built connectivity with such types of databases.”
    • Also stated in: § 4. Proposed Multi-Layered Architecture · plain
      “In fact, traditional monitoring and supervisory software are moving towards Structured Query Language (SQL) databases [15], and open-source packages include in-built connectivity with such types of databases.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [15] Korodi, 2020, Supervisory control and data acquisition approach in node-RED: Application and discussions, IoT source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductcitation

    The developed system has been operating continuously for a whole year.

    “The developed system has been operating continuously for a whole year; however, performance over long time periods should be evaluated, especially concerning open-source equipment [1].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [1] 2019, Integration of open source hardware Arduino platform in automation systems applied to smart grids/micro-grids, Sustain. Energy Technol. Assess.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisereasoning

    The volume of sensed magnitudes and exchanged information to be stored imposes an accessible and structured accumulation system.

    “However, in modern infrastructure, the volume of sensed magnitudes and exchanged information to be stored imposes an accessible and structured accumulation system.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationnone given

    The Data Record & Storage function can be implemented by means of in-house or cloud-hosted databases, or a combination to avoid data losses.

    “This function can be implemented by means of in-house or cloud-hosted databases, or even a combination in order to avoid data losses.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The proposed architecture is appropriate for modern devices as well as for legacy automation equipment.

    “The proposal is appropriate for modern devices, as well as for legacy automation equipment.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Modbus TCP is supported by both proprietary and open-source hardware/software, so different equipment can seamlessly share information enabled by this protocol.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    A large number of layers could lead to an excessive atomization of tasks.

    “On the contrary, a large number of layers could lead to an excessive atomization of tasks.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Ethernet is the prevalent trend for IT, IoT-enabled equipment, and modern automation systems.

    “Using an Ethernet network facilitates the replacement or addition of devices [53], especially given the fact that this kind of network is the prevalent trend for Information Technology (IT), IoT-enabled equipment, and modern automation systems [54].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [54] Wollschlaeger, 2017, The future of industrial communication: Automation networks in the Era of the internet of things and industry 4.0, IEEE Ind. Electron. Mag. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Modbus TCP is the backbone of the communication network in order to establish an open and reliable transmission of information among the whole infrastructure system.

    “Particularly, Modbus TCP is the backbone of the communication network in order to establish an open and reliable transmission of information among the whole infrastructure system.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Modbus is the open protocol most commonly applied in the industrial environment.
    • Rests on an assumption: Modbus TCP is supported by both proprietary and open-source hardware/software, so different equipment can seamlessly share information enabled by this protocol.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The proposed architecture is not a rigid hierarchical layout.

    “In this regard, in order to take into account the decentralization trend of modern systems (IoT, Industry 4.0), this proposal is not a rigid hierarchical layout.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Improvements in open-source equipment, as well as new proprietary devices, can be included in automation and monitoring systems deployed following this framework.

    “In addition, improvements in open-source equipment, as well as new proprietary devices, can be included in automation and monitoring systems deployed following this framework.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisecitation

    Depending on the designers' viewpoint, the number of layers in layered frameworks should be between two and eight, as commented in the literature review.

    “A notable remark when developing layered frameworks is that, depending on the designers' viewpoint, the number of layers should be between two and eight, as has been commented in the literature review.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    The main data for the Supervisory Monitoring and Interaction layer are information about the status of sensors and actuators physically placed in the microgrid, and the corresponding I/O signals are exchanged through the conceived layers.

    “The main data for this layer are information about the status of sensors and actuators physically placed in the microgrid; the corresponding I/O signals are exchanged through the conceived layers.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The monitoring function can be accessed in local and/or remote manner, depending on the capabilities of the chosen software.

    “The monitoring function can be accessed in local and/or remote manner, depending on the capabilities of the chosen software.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Wired networks are preferred over wireless because of reliability and security reasons.

    “Nonetheless, wired networks are preferred because of reliability and security reasons [4].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [4] Rivier, 2016, A literature review of microgrids: A functional layer based classification, Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    The presented architecture is general and scalable; it does not rely on particular manufacturers, operative systems, hardware or software, with the exception of the open communication protocol Modbus TCP.

    “The presented architecture is general and scalable; it does not rely on particular manufacturers, operative systems, hardware or software, with the exception of the open communication protocol Modbus TCP.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Modbus TCP implements the integration of communications, allowing integrated and effective data exchange between the involved equipment.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    There is a lack of concrete realization strategies and details concerning layered architecture.

    “As indicated in the Section 2, there are a lack of concrete realization strategies and details concerning layered architecture [50].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [50] Trunzer, 2019, System architectures for industrie 4.0 applications, Prod. Eng. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    A low number of layers could imply scarce separation of functionalities, so the division makes no sense.

    “A low number of layers could imply scarce separation of functionalities, so the division makes no sense.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The presented framework, though oriented towards microgrids, is also applicable for facilities in industrial environments involving heterogeneous equipment for automation and monitoring.

    “Furthermore, despite the fact that the presented framework is oriented towards microgrids, it is also applicable for facilities in industrial environments involving heterogeneous equipment for automation and monitoring.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The mounting angle of the irradiance sensor was the same as that of the photovoltaic modules, so the direct irradiance actually received by these modules was measured.

    “The mounting angle of the irradiance sensor was the same as that of the photovoltaic modules, in such a way that the direct irradiance actually received by these modules was measured.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    This work contributes to addressing the gap between conceptual approaches and experimental facilities, providing concrete strategies and details.

    “In other words, this work contributes to addressing the gap between conceptual approaches and experimental facilities, providing concrete strategies and details.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationnone given

    Establishing a functional division into six layers, the architecture is devoted to organizing the heterogeneous elements for energy automation and monitoring in microgrids.

    “Establishing a functional division into six layers, such architecture is devoted to organizing the heterogeneous elements for energy automation and monitoring in microgrids.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    In this paper, an innovative multi-layered architecture has been proposed and validated.

    “To this aim, in this paper, innovative multi-layered architecture has been proposed and validated.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The digital transformation of energy infrastructure is mainly promoted by the deployment of smart grids and microgrids.
    • Rests on an assumption: The effective implementation of smart grids and microgrids overcomes challenges, among which research efforts towards the standardization of communication protocols and networks are found.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    This proposal is a novelty in the existing literature, and overcomes limitations identified in previous works such as a lack of concretization about communication technologies, proprietary/industrial or open-source equipment, and experimental validation.

    “It must be remarked that this proposal is a novelty in the existing literature, and overcomes limitations identified in previous works such as a lack of concretization about communication technologies, proprietary/industrial or open-source equipment, and experimental validation.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
52 of 52

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Open-source suites commonly include remote connection through web interfaces.

    “In the case of open-source suites, they commonly include remote connection through web interfaces.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Modbus is the open protocol most commonly applied in the industrial environment.

    “As indicated in the Introduction, Modbus is the open protocol most commonly applied in the industrial environment.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    In modern infrastructure, the volume of sensed magnitudes and exchanged information to be stored imposes an accessible and structured accumulation system.

    “However, in modern infrastructure, the volume of sensed magnitudes and exchanged information to be stored imposes an accessible and structured accumulation system.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    In traditional monitoring systems, data storage was commonly performed by the supervisory/monitoring system.

    “In traditional monitoring systems, such data storage was commonly performed by the supervisory/monitoring system.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Some papers mention the utilization of Modbus TCP, but with scarce details about the experimental implementation and application.

    “Some papers mention the utilization of Modbus TCP, but with scarce details about the experimental implementation and application.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Modbus TCP is supported by both proprietary and open-source hardware/software, so different equipment can seamlessly share information enabled by this protocol.

    “Indeed, a relevant characteristic of Modbus TCP is that it is supported by both proprietary and open-source hardware/software, so different equipment can seamlessly share information enabled by this protocol.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Modbus is natively supported by most industrial monitoring/supervisory software such as NI LabVIEW, Siemens WinCC, or Wonderware InTouch.

    “For example, Modbus is natively supported by most industrial monitoring/supervisory software such as NI LabVIEW, Siemens WinCC, or Wonderware InTouch.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    There are libraries for Modbus communication for different programming languages such as Java, C or Python.

    “On the other hand, there are libraries for Modbus communication for different programming languages such as Java, C or Python.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    IoT open-source hardware (Arduino, RPi, etc.) and software (Node-RED, ScadaBR, etc.) also implement Modbus communication through freely available libraries or in-built modules.

    “Furthermore, IoT open-source hardware (Arduino, RPi, etc.) and software (Node-RED, ScadaBR, etc.) also implement Modbus communication through freely available libraries or in-built modules.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    In the market, it is easy to find power meters, power electronic devices, data loggers and gateways with embedded Modbus TCP interface.

    “Indeed, with a practical view, in the market it is easy to find power meters, power electronic devices, data loggers and gateways with embedded Modbus TCP interface.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Open-source packages include in-built connectivity with SQL databases.

    “In fact, traditional monitoring and supervisory software are moving towards Structured Query Language (SQL) databases [15], and open-source packages include in-built connectivity with such types of databases.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Modbus TCP implements the integration of communications, allowing integrated and effective data exchange between the involved equipment.

    “Specifically, for a high level of concretion and applicability, Modbus TCP implements the integration of communications, allowing an integrated and effective data exchange between the involved equipment.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The digital transformation of energy infrastructure is mainly promoted by the deployment of smart grids and microgrids.

    “The digital transformation of energy infrastructure is mainly promoted by the deployment of smart grids and microgrids.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The effective implementation of smart grids and microgrids overcomes challenges, among which research efforts towards the standardization of communication protocols and networks are found.

    “Their effective implementation overcomes challenges, among which research efforts towards the standardization of communication protocols and networks are found.”
14 of 14

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • Open-source hardware and software can provide adequate robustness required in industrial applications, with the advantage of open and customizable solutions.

    “These papers show that open-source hardware and software can provide adequate robustness required in industrial applications, with the advantage of open and customizable solutions.”

    From Open Source Control Device for Industry 4.0 Based on RAMI 4.0 (2021) · cites this paper as [12]

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • SQL is expanded two different ways

    Minor

    The main text expands SQL as "Structured Query Language," while the abbreviations list expands it as "Search Query Language."

  • Pymodbus citation points to a different reference

    Minor

    The text cites reference 51 for Pymodbus, but reference 51 is a paper on access control. The Pymodbus library is listed as reference 47.

  • Battery-management unit number differs from the code

    Minor

    The prose says the battery-management unit is addressed as unit 255, but the code reading the same battery state-of-charge register uses unit 225.

3 of 3

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 1

  1. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (1990). IEEE Standard Computer Dictionary: A Compilation of IEEE Standard Computer Glossaries, IEEE Press.

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
González, I., Calderón, A. J., & Portalo, J. M.
Affiliations
  • Universidad de Extremadura (ES)
  • Department of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Automation, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
Corresponding author
González, Isaías
ORCID
Venue
Sustainability
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2021-02-19
Volume
13
Issue
4
Pages
2234
ISSN
2071-1050 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.3390/su13042234
OpenAlex
W3130015904
Semantic Scholar
dd03df1b565da4f9a3f89a8b4899584ec1a6da75
Cited by
90
References
47
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 10 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 18 · 2022: 30 · 2021: 21
FWCI
5.59
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Sustainability (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • RePEc: Research Papers in Economics (submittedVersion)
  • Institutional Repository University of Extremadura (University of Extremadura) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
Funders
Junta de Extremadura (IB18041)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Electrical and Electronic Engineering › Smart Grid and Power Systems
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Control and Systems Engineering › Microgrid Control and Optimization
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Electrical and Electronic Engineering › Power Systems and Technologies
Keywords
multi-layered architecture, smart microgrids, photovoltaic microgrid, monitoring system, Modbus TCP, open-source hardware, communication protocols, smart grid, experimental validation

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-09.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-09.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review