An optimization framework for energy topologies in smart cities

The definition of “energy topologies” based on energetic cooperation (exploitation and exchange) between interconnected objects is an important feature that can be implemented in Smart Cities. Based on the presence of energy harvesting devices, it is aimed at providing system-wide sustainability by allowing exchange of stored and supplied energy in a similar fashion to communication of data. In this paper, we investigate the possibility of integrating energy cooperation within the design of the energy topology, or, in other words, by establishing energy links between objects, in particular wireless smart nodes powered by harvesting renewable energy sources. To do so, we construct an optimization model, where it is guaranteed that wireless nodes during operation will not be depleted and the optimal energy transfer does not exceed the energy demands of other communication nodes. We analyze how the system conditions can affect the energy topology, in particular, energy harvesting capabilities, energy levels, and energy thresholds. We also identify some theoretical limits for the system to guarantee complete sustainability, that is, nodes do not go out of charge. Also we demonstrated the effectiveness of the model comparing it with the system operation without applied optimization