Smart Grids empowerment with Edge Computing: An Overview

Abstract: Electric grids represent the angular stone of distribution networks. Since their introduction, a huge evolutionary process turned them from conventional electrical power network to advanced, real-time monitoring systems. In this process, the Internet of Things (IoT) proved itself as a fast forwarding paradigm: smart devices, networks and communication protocol stacks are more and more integrated in a number of general purpose, industrial grade systems. In this framework, the upcoming Internet of Services (IoS) is going to orchestrate the many sensors and components in Smart Grids, simultaneously enabling complex information management for energy suppliers, operators and consumers. The opportunity to continuously monitor and send important data (i.e., energy production, distribution, usage and storage) issues and facilitates the implementation of trailblazing functionalities. Of course, the more information are sent throughout the network, the higher the overload will be, thus resulting in a potentially worsening of the Quality of Service (QoS) (i.e., communication latencies). This work overviews the concept of Smart Grids while investigating de-centralized computing and elaboration possibilities, leveraging the IoT paradigm towards the IoS.