## 1 Introduction
Paper [21] proposed a novel design method for distributed maximum power point tracking synchronous boost converter. The method was based on non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm with the aim to obtain the best synchronous rectification boost topology. Paper [22] proposed the design and experimental results of a home area network-based domestic load energy consumption monitoring prototype device as part of an advanced metering system. Paper [23] used fuzzy set to model the predicted retail electricity prices and ambient temperatures, and then used immune clonal selection programming to obtain the optimal temperature scheduling for air-conditioning. Paper [24] investigated an energy management system (EMS) for the home area DC microgrid by using the fuzzy logic controller to manage the desired state of charge (SOC) of the battery, and using LabVIEW as the control and monitor interface. With the technical advances in the fields of power electronics and communication, an intelligent and multi-functional energy converter--energy router, also known as the power router, has been booming rapidly. Several works have been done to promote its implementations in the fields of microgrid and home area energy network [25; 26; 27; 28]. In paper [25], a multi-agent-based autonomous control scheme in active distribution network was developed, where a smart power router was implemented for flexible and optimal power flow management. Paper [26] developed a novel \"power packet router\" which could forward DC \"power packets\" with an information tag attached to the power payload to another router, so that electric energy could be delivered from the power source to the destination load via multiple routers, just like the way data was transferred through the Internet. Paper [27] proposed a wireless energy router platform for control and scheduling of energy delivery in buildings. The peak power consumption of the building could be minimized by running an \"energy aware\" algorithm that scheduled the operation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Paper [28] developed an intelligent energy router that not only provided the means to manage and monitor energy consumption within the home, but also used an assortment of useful data and communications to automatically perform energy management methods that yielded savings for both the consumer and utility company. With the aim of making the energy router technically feasible, and to further improve the security and stability of residential EMS, this paper elaborates on the implementation of a low-voltage energy router-based HEMS for optimal use of RESs, along with a coordinated control scheme for the DGs, ESS and local loads that get access to the HEMS through the energy router. The presented energy router for the HEMS will have the following features:  
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2. Plug-and-play energy interfaces and access management are provided for the DGs, ESS and loads that get access to the HEMS through the energy router, which makes it easy for the energy router to be implemented in multiple energy subsystems according to specific application requirements;
3. Internal DC bus serves as the \"energy pool\" of the energy router by linking the RESs, ESS, and EV together, and Internal AC bus provides power to the AC loads and point of common coupling to the power grid;
4. Smart energy management strategies are available to suppress the dynamic fluctuation of DG outputs, improve energy supply quality and achieve multiple purposes of energy saving, demand-side management and stability improvement of the distribution network;
5. Smooth transition between different operation modes, as well as fault and failure protection for the embedded modules and other power devices in the HEMS can be realized by effective control strategies;
6. Wired or wireless communications are available for remote operation controls, e.g., operation mode switching, power metering and fault diagnostic.