Energy Intelligence / Sub-Area
EMS & Energy Optimization
An EMS decision does not start with choosing software: it starts with defining the objective and control logic by which consumption, generation and storage will be managed together. Afectus is on the independent advisory side — we do not sell our own EMS software; we define the control strategy and requirements, and verify them independently of any vendor.
Which facilities this is for
- Facilities with solar and/or storage and several flexible loads
- Companies managing multiple sites from a single center
- Facilities planning an EMS investment that want an independent requirements definition
- Operations not getting the expected benefit from their existing automation
How We Build the Strategy
It starts from the objective, not from product selection: first the control objective, then the control logic, then verification.
Data Inputs
- 15-minute consumption, generation and, if any, storage data
- List of shiftable / curtailable loads and their flexibility limits
- Tariff structure and peak / price components
- Existing control rules and setpoints (if any)
- Grid connection capacity plus process and comfort constraints
Data is validated before analysis; flexibility assumptions on paper are confirmed with on-site measurement.
Model and Scenarios
- Control objectives are defined: self-consumption, peak limiting, price-based operation, backup
- Rule-based and optimization-based control logic are modeled separately
- Consumption, generation and storage are simulated together in a single dispatch model
- Portfolio-level coordination is evaluated for multiple facilities
Deliverables
- Control strategy and logic definition
- EMS functional requirements list — for tender evaluation
- Strategy comparison and expected impact ranges
- Multi-facility optimization plan
Assumptions and Limits
EMS benefit depends on measured flexibility; flexibility on paper looks larger than the actual benefit until verified on site.
We define the strategy and requirements; because real performance depends on operation and asset response, no savings guarantee is given.
Optimization is bounded by physical and contractual constraints: connection capacity, process and comfort limits cannot be exceeded.
More automation is not always better; some strategies deliver benefit at a disproportionate increase in complexity.
Common Mistakes
Buying an EMS product before defining the control objective.
Optimizing a single asset (only the battery, or only solar) instead of the system as a whole.
Ignoring process and comfort constraints, producing strategies operators override.
Assuming a single control strategy fits every tariff and price regime.
Reference Frameworks
- ISO 50001
- Energy management systems: a continuous improvement framework and energy performance indicators.
- IEC 61850
- Communication standard for power automation and distributed resource integration.
- IEEE 2030
- Smart grid interoperability guide: data and control interfaces between systems.
- IEC 62443
- Cybersecurity framework for industrial automation and control systems.
Methods
- Rule-based and optimization-based control logic modeling
- Multi-asset dispatch simulation
- Portfolio / multi-facility optimization
- Scenario and sensitivity analysis
Sample Analysis
Below, the qualitative effect of four control strategies is compared on the same facility profile. The values indicate direction; actual impact is modeled from the facility's data and flexibility profile.
EMS Control Strategy Comparison
Sample Scenario
| Strategy | Primary objective | Self-consumption effect | Peak effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-consumption priority | Use solar on site | High | Medium |
| Peak limiting | Cap peak demand | Medium | High |
| Price-based | Charge when cheap, discharge when expensive | Variable | Low |
| Hybrid (rule + optimization) | Balance objectives together | High | High |
This is a sample scenario; it indicates qualitative direction and cannot be used on its own as an investment or control decision.
EMS Strategy Consultation
The output is not a product recommendation but a requirements list. We review your consumption, generation and on-site asset data, identify the control objective that fits your facility, and itemize the functions to require from an EMS — independently of any vendor.
Request an EMS Strategy Consultation