Energy Efficiency for Bus Systems (EEBus) protocol stack demonstrator

João Pedro Duarte Coelho

Key information

Authors:

João Pedro Duarte Coelho (João Pedro Duarte Coelho)

Supervisors:

António Manuel Raminhos Cordeiro Grilo (António Manuel Raminhos Cordeiro Grilo); Margarida Marques (HC/ENG-Av)

Published in

November 20, 2024

Abstract

The increasing demand on low-voltage distribution grids, driven by the electrification of transport and heating, necessitates dynamic solutions for energy management at the building level. Regulatory frameworks now also enable Distribution System Operators (DSOs) to limit consumption during grid overloads, emphasizing the need for scalable energy management systems that integrate with grid constraints. The Energy Efficiency for Bus Systems (EEBus) protocol offers a standardized framework for interoperable communication among devices, facilitating seamless integration within home networks. This supports both consumer-driven energy optimization and grid-responsive load management. This thesis advances EEBus integration, focusing on Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) applications to enhance energy flexibility and grid management. A partial implementation of the EEBus protocol stack is developed on a resource-constrained embedded gateway platform for Bosch Home Comfort products. This work specifically implements the Smart Home Internet Protocol (SHIP) stack, which securely transports Smart Premises Interoperable Neutral-message Exchange (SPINE) messages—the layer defining device communication. The implemented stack integrates into the COnnectivity Device (COD) project framework, achieving an optimized resource footprint for entry-level appliances while ensuring compatibility with Bosch Home Comfort’s product architecture. The implementation was tested on a CC3220SF Microcontroller Unit (MCU) under diverse conditions, validating its performance against established criteria. Observed limitations, which do not affect current functionality, are expected to be resolved with future hardware improvements to the COD platform. This work demonstrates the feasibility of scalable, interoperable energy management for grid-responsive applications in HVAC systems.