A novel platform for the experimental training on Internet of Energy

This paper deals with the use of laboratory test benches as a novel platform for educational purposes. In this regard, some laboratory facilities of National Research Council of Italy Istituto Motori (in Naples) are analyzed as case study of an experimental learning platform for engineers and operators in the field of Internet of Energy (IoE). In particular, these facilities are devoted to study the main components of a smart grid, with particular attention on electric power-trains, energy storage systems, renewable energy sources and fast charging architectures for electric vehicles. The laboratory tools can be locally and remotely controlled by each learner, involved in training courses based on this platform, through acquisition and control devices, which can be managed by means of programmable software interfaces. In this way, the proposed learning platform represents a novel educational instrument to train new professional profiles, with particular skills on ICT technologies, software programming and hardware management for IoE applications.