Rethinking of “internet +” intelligent energy: From the perspective of entropy

The development of “Internet + Smart energy” (Energy Internet, EI) embodies the overall optimization of the design and operation of energy system based on digital technology. From the perspective of the thermodynamic entropy of energy system and information entropy of information system, the entropy increasing and decreasing of integrated energy system and its corresponding energy Internet mechanism are explained in this study. Firstly, from the view of entropy, the fundamental principle that EI reflects information flow to transform energy flow is revealed, i.e., the superior organization of energy system is achieved and disorder of the energy network is reduced. Secondly, taking the multi-energy complementary integrated system and the digital twin energy Internet as an example, this study reveals the antagonism and unity of the information flow and energy flow based on the cyber-physical system. Thirdly, through the first batch of national EI demonstration projects at the pilot stage, the construction method of information flow and its specific application in the transformation of energy flow of EI are analyzed. At last, to improve the quality and efficiency of EI, some suggestions on the development of the EI from the aspect of the transformation of information flow are put forward.