This paper proposes a novel Direct Current (DC)aware building Energy Management System (EMS) platform. The proposed EMS is a comprehensive ecosystem that includes both the necessary hardware and software components to facilitate the transition of buildings toward compatibility with future intelligent power grids and DC Technologies. A key advantage of this platform is its hybrid topology, which enables simultaneous interfacing with and supply of both Alternating Current (AC) and DC loads. The platform integrates real-time monitoring, optimization, and solar power generation forecasting and demand forecasting units. The focus of this paper is the experimental realization of the proposed solution and an evaluation of the hardware and software performance during their synergetic operation.

This paper introduces a hierarchical framework for developing Digital Twins (DTs) of low-voltage electricity network components using a unified, modular approach. In this architecture, a core, component-agnostic DT with essential functionalities serves as the foundation, enabling the creation of component-specific DTs by layering relevant features on top. For example, an energy storage DT can integrate a state-of-health estimator block, while a building DT incorporates a solar PV DT, battery energy storage DT, and the building’s electricity network block. This modular approach unifies and simplifies development, enhances scalability, and ensures compatibility within complex DT systems.