Glossary

Communicator: The Communicator is a device designed to interface with Product devices. In SmartGridready the Communicator leverages a generic API to seamlessly communicate with Product devices. A common example for a Communicator is an energy manager device.
Communication Handler: The Communication Handler is a software component that reads XML-based interface descriptions, which define conversion rules between the generic API used by the Communicator and Product-specific APIs. This allows it to adapt to different Products without requiring manual configuration/daption.
Data Point: A data point is a read- and/or writeable property of a Product. In SmartGridready a Data Point is a child element of a Functional Profile. An example for a readable data point is “ActivePowerACL1” of the Functional Profile “ActivePowerAC” and is used to measure the AC power consumtion on phase 1.
Data Points: Plural form of Data Point
Device Driver Adapter: Device Driver Adpaters within SmartGridready adapt the API given by the Communication Handler libraries to a transport layer/technology. SmratGridready provides default adapters for Modbus, Web-Services and MQTT as libraries in Python and Java.
DSO: A Distribution System Operator is a company or entity responsible for operating, maintaining, and developing the electricity distribution network — typically the lower-voltage part of the grid that delivers electricity from transmission systems to end consumers (homes, businesses, etc.). See also TSO who operates the higher-voltage part of the gris.
EID: External Interface Description in XML (also known as EI-XML or Product Description File). The EID defines the conversion rules needed to adapt a specific Product to the SmartGridready generic API. It contains a list of Functional Profile’s that the Product supports, together with the conversion rules to adapt the Product to the generic API interface.
External Interface Definition: See EID
EMS: Energy Management System. Device or application used for power management within an power-grid or building. Within SmartGridready the EMS acts usually as a Communicator.
EVSE: Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment. Provides safe and managed electrical power to charge electric vehicles.
Energy Manager: See EMS
Flexibility Manager: The Flexibility Manager acts within a power grid allowing an intelligent load management. It is usually operated by a DSO.
Functional Profile: The Functional Profile describes a set of common functionalities that are exposed trough the generic SmartGridready interface used by the Communicator. A SmartGridready compliant Product supports one or more Functional Profiles. Examples for Functional Profiles are: ‘EnergyMonitor` for electric energy measurement, ‘HeatCoolControl’ for heat pumps or ‘EVSE Load Reduction’ for electrical vehicle charging stations.
Functional Profiles: Plural form of Functional Profile
Functional Profile Type: The type of a Functional Profile defines a specific combination of related Data Points. See Functional Profile Type.
Functional Profile Types: Plural form of Functional Profile Type.
Functional Profile Category: A Functional Profile Category defines the type or usage of the Product. Examples are ‘Metering’ (for term:Smart Meter) or ‘HeatPumpControl`. See Functional Profile Category
Functional Profile Categories: Plural form of Functional Profile Category
Intermediary: The Intermediary is a microservice that exposes a REST API that allows seamless communication with SmartGridready compliant Product. It can be deployed as a Docker container and is the ideal SmartGridready solution where no Communication Handler library is available.
Level Of Operation: Level Of Operation is an attribute of a Functional Profile that defines the complexity of the a Functional Profile operation. See Level of Operation
Modbus: The Modbus interface is a standardized communication interface used in industrial and energy systems to enable data exchange between electronic devices. It is based on the Modbus protocol, originally developed by Modicon (now Schneider Electric) in 1979, and is widely used due to its simplicity, robustness, and openness.
PVA: A system of interconnected solar panels that generate electricity from sunlight.
PV: Photo-Voltaic system that produces electric energy from sunlight.
PV-Inverter: Converts the DC electricity generated by PV solar panels into AC electricity, which is used by household appliances and the electrical grid.
Product: A Product is a device that provides power management related services and exposes its functionalities through a proprietary interface. The SmartGridready Communication Handler allows the Communicator to communicate with the Product through a generic interface, independent of the Product’s proprietary implementation. Examples for Products are smart meters, heat pumps, PVA, EVSE.
Product Description File: See EID
Product Description Files: Plural of Product Description File
Products: Plural form of Product
SGCP: Smart Grid Connection Point. A exposing an SGCP allows load management by a power grid operator.
Smart Meter: A smart meter is an advanced electric energy meter that automatically records energy consumption and communicates the data to the utility provider in real-time or at scheduled intervals. Unlike traditional meters, smart meters enable remote readings, dynamic pricing, and better energy management, helping both consumers and providers optimize energy use.
TNO: A transmission net operator. Synonym of TSO
TSO: A Transmission System Operator is an entity responsible for the transport of electricity over high-voltage transmission networks from power producers to distribution networks or large industrial consumers. TSOs operate the backbone of the electrical power grid.