- In the ‘KiwiOS Lab’, the company tests and optimizes the connectivity and control of distributed energy resources
- In addition, Kiwigrid is developing new apps for data-driven business models based on KiwiOS
Kiwigrid has set up a new laboratory specifically for KiwiOS at its headquarters in Dresden. In the new premises, the company can test and optimize the connectivity and control of distributed energy resources even more extensively than before. The laboratory equipment includes PV inverters, power storage, wall boxes, and meters. “We focus on the world’s leading manufacturers, such as LG Electronics, Nissan, SOLARWATT, Fronius, SMA, Webasto, or Mennekes,” says Managing Director Tim Ulbricht.
KiwiOS is an operating system for connecting and controlling distributed energy devices. The highly standardized software platform synchronizes the data of the connected devices with the KiwiCloud. KiwiOS contains applications that are partially self-sufficient and partially in interaction with the KiwiCloud and that control the energy devices and optimize energy flows. The operating system works with a “EAL4 +” encryption, and thus meets the highest security standards.
In the lab, systems—which are combinations of the various device classes that Kiwigrid customers use in the field—are systematically tested. With systematic functional and endurance tests, Kiwigrid perfects the intelligent interaction of certain inverters, power storage units, and wall boxes.
The utilization of device data is becoming increasingly important for new, data-driven business models. For example, Kiwigrid provides a power storage simulator that calculates a self-sufficiency and self-consumption forecast based on actual solar and power consumption data. This allows a much more accurate purchasing recommendation for power storage than with the standard simulations available on the internet. Among other things, the innogy Group uses this simulator in retail sales.
“The new KiwiOS Lab is designed to meet all these requirements. Now we can test the devices preferred by our customers much faster than before, and develop new innovative apps for data-driven business models,” says Kiwigrid Managing Director Tim Ulbricht, explaining the investments in the new KiwiOS Lab.
Thanks to its open architecture, it is possible to embed KiwiOS in every IoT-enabled device. “KiwiOS is already running on numerous gateways. First and foremost, these are the Energy Managers deployed by our partners. But there is also the smart meter gateway for intelligent metering point operation from devolo, and the bit.B gateway for commercial energy and process monitoring from innogy.” According to Ulbricht, it is also conceivable for the operating system to be embedded directly into energy or smart home devices.
Connectivity is one of Kiwigrid’s core services. KiwiOS has many drivers on board by default. But device manufacturers regularly launch new models on the market. “For this we of course offer targeted driver development. Our partners benefit from our many years of expertise and our ability to update KiwiOS gateways on the fly,” concludes Ulbricht.
About Kiwigrid
Kiwigrid aims to help utilities, vehicle manufacturers, and manufacturers of distributed energy resources master the energy transition. Customers of the Dresden company use the energy service platform to open up new markets, diversify their products and services, and pull ahead of their competition. To make this possible, Kiwigrid offers them cutting edge IoT technology and energy services that help increase energy efficiency, optimize the use of renewable energies, pave the way for electric vehicles, and stabilize grids. Kiwigrid GmbH was founded in 2011 and now employs over 160 staff from various parts of the world. Since then, the company has built up a wealth of expertise in energy as it relates to the Internet of Things and intelligent energy management. Kiwigrid is one of the world’s leading technology companies in these areas and was once again included on the Global Cleantech 100 list in February 2018.