Integration of IoT-based healthcare devices within the smart grid architecture model: a conceptual framework with economic and energy assessment for elderly care in Europe
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction: This study investigates the integration of IoT-enabled medical devices within the Smart Grid Architecture Model (SGAM) to support elderly home-based care in Europe. The study develops a conceptual SGAM-IoT framework that maps healthcare devices, actors, communication pathways, and functions across the SGAM interoperability layers, domains, and zones, with particular attention to interoperability, data exchange and integration between the home environment, healthcare services, and energy-aware infrastructure. Methods: The conceptual framework is complemented by a quantitative analytical assessment of the economic and energy implications of five commonly used home-monitoring devices: a pulse oximeter, blood pressure monitor, digital thermometer, smart ECG monitor, and blood glucose monitor. The assessment relies on secondary European healthcare data, literature, manufacturer information, and market-based estimates rather than primary empirical measurements or experimental deployment. Economic feasibility is examined through Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), Net Present Value (NPV), and a three-scenario sensitivity analysis, while electricity consumption is estimated from rated device power and assumed operating time. Results: Under the reference-scenario assumptions, the analysis produces a BCR of 2.75 and a positive NPV, while the sensitivity analysis indicates that the economic result remains positive under conservative assumptions. The revised energy assessment estimates a combined electricity consumption of approximately 0.12 kWh per month, confirming that the direct energy demand of the selected devices is marginal. Discussion: These findings suggest that the main value of SGAM in this context lies not in device-level energy savings, but in providing a structured framework for interoperability, communication, data exchange, and integration with wider home-healthcare infrastructure. Potential benefits for continuity of care, autonomy and elderly well-being are discussed as expected implications requiring future empirical validation.
Source: Frontiers in Digital Health
Institutions: Marche Polytechnic University, Italian University Line
Language: English
Topic: Smart Grid Energy Management
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,077
OpenAlex ID: W7221910879