Background
Thailand has prepared its readiness in generating, distributing and selling electricity from renewable resources in order to move towards the low carbon society. Utilization of energy management technology, e.g. smart grid and microgrid, for managing energy use and smart response can lead to efficient energy use and behavioral change that turns consumers into prosumers.
This project focuses on the development of technologies and innovation in hardware, software, protocol, network communication, and operation platform for consumers and prosumers. The platform enables the monitoring of real time energy production and electrical trading in a microgrid, and the prediction of energy demand and supply, supporting the smart microgrid and electricity trading platform (ETP) of Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). The project is a continuation of “Si-Saengtham Model, Ubon Ratchathani ERC Sandbox” project, which has piloted the use of smart grid management and peer-to-peer electricity trading platform. Outputs of this project will help advance energy trading in microgrids and the National Energy Trading Platform (NETP).
Goal
To develop smart microgrid technology, focusing on hardware and software for managing smart microgrids that connect to the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) network and the electricity trading platform (ETP) which facilitates the electricity trading between consumers and prosumers within the PEA network, leading to the sustainable development and income generation within Thai local communities.
Activities by ENTEC research team
- Coordinate with the Office of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to remove regulatory barriers of peer-to-peer electricity trading.
- Develop and test technology and innovation to support the smart microgrid community network which consists of prosumer, consumer, generator, energy storage system and the electricity trading platform previously developed by the Si-Saengtham Model in Ubon Ratchathani Province.
- Establish an energy storage network to drive renewable energy storage technology in Thailand.
- Engage younger generations in the community development activities and develop their capacity through upskilling and reskilling programs to operate and maintain the system.
Research outputs
- Smart microgrid (hardware and software) for electricity management, along with an electricity trading platform for the PEA network.
- Policy recommendations for peer-to-peer electricity trading in microgrids and the National Energy Trading Platform (NETP).
Current status
A software for Electricity Trading Platform is being developed, whereas a smart microgrid and solar sharing system has been installed at Si-Saengtham Temple, and a smaller system has been set up at the Thailand Science Park. The system which includes the plant growing and solar sharing modules serves as a pilot study of energy management network and peer-to-peer electricity trading platform. This will provide information for further development of electricity trading in community microgrids and the National Energy Trading Platform (NETP). The system was presented as a “BCG showcase” at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC 2022) hosted by Thailand on 18-19 November 2022.
Future plan
Policy recommendations for peer-to-peer electricity trading to support the implementation of electricity trading in community microgrids and the National Energy Trading Platform.
Research team
Dr. Kobsak Sriprapha (PI), Dr. Nuwong Chollacoop, Dr. Pimpa Limthongkul, Dr. Songkiate Kittisontirak, Dr. Perawut Chinnavornrungsee, Dr. Kampanart Silva, Dr. Supanit Porntheeraphat, Dr. Kriengkrai Mosaleeyanon, Dr. Jiravan Mongkoltanatas, Dr. Charndet Hruanun, Dr. Pawadee Meesapawong, Dr. Amporn Poyai, Ms. Duanghathai Tachoochat, Mr. Sirimongkon Sangkhawong, Mr. Vichit Saengsuwan, Mr. Supoj Sodarat, Ms. Pranuda Jivaganont, Ms. Sasiwimon Songtrai, Mr. Pidpong Janta, Ms. Parichart Muangaram, Mr. Rungtawee Piyananjaratsri, Mr. Singhanat Puangwarin and Mr. Suwan Yanuwong
Contact address
National Energy Technology Center
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Research Team
Tel.: 02564 6900 (ext. 2712)
Email: kobsak.sriprapha@nectec.or.th, songkiate.kit@entec.or.th, nuwong.cho@entec.or.th
