inGenious Flex offers a high degree of flexibility and can be installed either as a cloud service or directly in the client's local server environment. This dual approach allows you to choose the best option based on specific security, operational, and infrastructure needs. Both on-site installation and deployment in Inea's cloud provide complete control over the system and data, which is crucial for organizations with high security and privacy requirements. For distributed resources and remote locations, we recommend cloud installation for easier access regardless of location and greater resilience to local communication interruptions.
When transferring data over public internet connections, inGenious Flex ensures a high level of security using VPN (Virtual Private Network) technology. This technology employs robust encryption and authentication methods, such as SSL/TLS and IPSec ESP, to protect against various types of attacks. The ability to establish multiple VPN connections (tunnels) allows for secure communication between different endpoints, with each connection protected by secure certificates. This approach ensures that data remains safe and protected even when transmitted to remote locations or mobile devices.
inGenious Flex is designed for easy integration with various IT systems, enabling data exchange through API/RESTful technology and other web services. Support for bidirectional connections via MQTT brokers further extends integration possibilities, allowing systems to communicate and operate in sync. This open approach ensures that inGenious Flex can function as a central energy management system, seamlessly connecting with existing business, production, and energy systems to enhance efficiency and facilitate interoperability and maintenance.
Yes, inGenious Flex is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing users to optimize their energy consumption according to various tariff models. The system can activate flexibility based on price signals, such as tariffs or market prices, and explicit signals from network operators or aggregators. This adaptability enables customers to adjust their power consumption limits at any time, enhancing operational efficiency while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and market conditions. In addition to fixed settings, the system is pre-configured for dynamic tariff systems, thanks to its network communication capabilities and data exchange options with external services from operators and aggregators.
In an industrial environment, inGenious Flex considers a wide range of devices as active consumers that can adjust their energy consumption based on current grid needs or tariff signals, similar to a smart grid consumer. These include thermal devices such as furnaces and dryers, which can reduce their power or temporarily halt operations, as well as heat pumps, ventilation systems, industrial process heating, and cooling systems. Other active consumers include water pumps, air compressors, EV charging stations, and various energy storage systems like lithium batteries and thermal storage units. Before each installation of inGenious Flex, we conduct a thorough analysis to determine the optimal adaptation strategy and the number and type of devices suitable for active consumption in each specific case and environment.
No, inGenious Flex is designed as a fully modular solution, which means it can grow and adapt with your needs without requiring a complete system replacement. When expanding to new locations, changing modules, or upgrading, the system can be easily updated remotely. During periodic system updates and maintenance, inGenious Flex operates seamlessly without the need for additional installations or upgrades on the client's side. Additionally, installing inGenious Flex does not require prior purchase of inGenious View or inGenious Cube systems, as their functionalities are already included in inGenious Flex.
When upgrading to inGenious Flex, the core system installation remains unchanged, except for the installation location change, such as upgrading a local inGenious Cube to a networked inGenious Flex. For an upgrade involving inGenious View, monitoring clients need to be added for bidirectional communication of flexibility between the system and devices. The central user experience and interface remain the same if supported by the client's IT infrastructure. The INEA inGenious product family is fully modular, making software upgrades straightforward and minimizing the need for additional physical installations.