Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining, for a loss function which is a function of a parameter vector comprising a plurality of parameters, values for the parameters for which the parameter vector is a stationary point of the loss function, comprising: determining initial values for the parameters; and repeatedly updating the parameters by: (a) determining at least one drift value; (b) determining at least one learning rate value by evaluating a learning rate function based on, and having an inverse relationship with, the at least one drift value; (c) determining respective updates to the parameters based upon a product of the at least one learning rate value and a gradient of the loss function with respect to the respective parameter for current values of the parameters; and (d) updating the parameters based upon the determined respective updates.

Abstract: The present relates to a method and system for operating a virtual energy network. The method and system receives electricity at a local energy network from an electric grid, stores at an energy storage appliance electricity received from the electric grid at a first period of time, and provides electricity from the energy storage appliance to the local energy network at a second period of time. The cost of the electricity provided by the electric grid is lower at the first period of time than at the second period of time. The energy storage appliance is connected to a management unit via a communication network, from which it receives an energy storage policy. Also, the electric grid, a plurality of energy storage appliances connected to the electric grid and to a corresponding plurality of local energy networks, and the management unit constitute a virtual energy network.