3: Non-Use, 2: Low-Use, 1: Average-Use, 0: High-Use
2.3 SG and Energy Prosumer
The energy consumption concept in the energy sector seems to be well known. If it is well developed in many markets, the competitive advantage of becoming a customer becomes clearer. Competitive systems, such as photovoltaic power plants, Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant and trade winds, have been chosen as attractive sources for supplying consumers [56]. SG can considerably enhance energy consumption, energy management, distribution and productivity improvement and incorporate a growing amount of renewable sources. Certain energy policies aim to make renewable energy more cost-effective, but the obstacle is how you can evaluate the costs of incorporating renewables in an energy system. Two methods of cost-assessment, the Levelized Energy Cost (LCOE) and Energy System Analyzes (ESA), are used for energy consumption evaluation [57]. Also, the SG system includes several components for the continuous distribution of energy. This includes smart technology, digital networks, two-way communication, integrated management methods, requirements and regulations, and efficient consumer integration. Some of the first systematic studies were in conjunction with SGs based on comparison consumers [58]. The authors in [59] reported that Prosumers has an average MW/h in a given account through solar energy consumption with an increase in energy prices. Alternatively, power outages can also be resolved from time to time by adopting a power supply storage solution. In [60], the authors suggested that prospective activities convert conventional energy systems into smart energy systems by incorporating Edge technology. Where investigative regulations have been discussed around five different ways of the role of the Prosumer in the smart grid. The prosumer roles include the Market Participation Strategy (MPS), Strategic Analysis; Competitive Advantage; Economic evaluation and benefits; Business research. Also, the Prosumer is a potential solution to achieving trade in renewable energy [61]. In [62], the authors have shown that energy providers have several objectives with the integration of Prosumer features: providing electricity demand for consumers, integrating IT, and reducing prices. According to energy distribution and management, Community Prosumer Groups (CPGs) have been compared to the consumer community. Potential Prosumers were interested in improving energy efficiency by controlling energy production, hours of use and storage capacity [63]. A detailed overview of the analysis publications allowed us to identify the prosumer smart grid classes (see Figure 1). Several other experts have spoken separately about these problems: early competitors, network smart market strategies, and Prosumer creativity. Indeed, the Prosumer concept has been overcome through numerous studies [64]. One such research suggested an improvement in Prosumer alliances created to improve their energy product offerings while reducing the likelihood of an economic loss at the same time when performance drops below the contractual level [65]. In simulating practical Prosumer behavior, basic environmental details were used for a specific area. The algorithm makes alliances with high efficiency and low volatility in energy production depending on the spatial correlation structure [66]. The results indicate that the alliances that were created provide the network with less capacity, less storage. Blockchain and Big Data are chosen as attractive emerging technologies for SGs. In [67], the authors discussed the blockchain flexibility approach in SGs. The proposed approach focuses on blockchain and smart contracts as an intermediary between energy suppliers and electrical customers to reduce costs, increase transaction speed, and improve user information protection. Big data has been collected as an attractive solution to manage large amounts of information collected with study groups.
Figure 2 shows ProSG’s various classes: the Prosumer Engagement Class (PEC) and the Prosumer Management Class (PMC). At PMC, many topics are presented in the literature, such as market design, roles, goals, alliances, motivations and management. Whereas, at PEC, we distinguish that other topics are presented, such as economic, technological, social, relationships, evolution, and engagement.
Figure 2: Prosumer-Smart grid classes
Most researchers have focused on Prosumer management and energy exchange strategies, partnerships, expectations, and incentive programs. They highlighted the need for new innovative approaches to address these challenges more efficiently (Table 2). Prosumer management consists of the following aspects:
Table 2. Prosumer smart grid (ProSG) agent goals