HomeNewsSustainable energy systems: more comfort and efficiency through more intelligent algorithms

Sustainable energy systems: more comfort and efficiency through more intelligent algorithms

Further development of intelligent energy networks, called smart grids, forms an essential part of the energy transition to renewable energy sources. Matching supply and demand and the possibilities for generation and storage require new and complex computational models that make optimal use of the system capacity.

For his PhD thesis “Towards 100% renewable energy supply for urban areas and the role of smart control”,  ir. Richard van Leeuwen worked on a new energy transition model that incorporates all those new elements. On Thursday 18 May he defended his PhD thesis, which shows how the model should lead to less investment in sustainable energy systems and energy storage and to improved use and lifespan of installations.

Regulating supply and demand

The growing use of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar- and hydropower as well as biogas has a major impact on the energy market. Alongside a shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, the demand is also being electrified to a certain degree, for example by the use of heat pumps to meet thermal needs and electrical vehicles for transport.

Intelligent energy models have to ensure that, in this more complex environment, energy supply and demand are regularly in balance. They must also be able to intervene if necessary. Can peak demand be influenced without loss of living comfort? Which appliances should be given priority? This raises complex regulatory issues. A balance must be struck between living comfort, costs and power grid load.

The control issues that have arisen have not yet been fully addressed. "The algorithms are still very complex and not always suitable for practical application. They require a high processing capacity, especially if several energy sources are to be used", says Van Leeuwen. "In my research I have developed a model in which both heat and electricity, including all possible forms of energy and storage, have been taken into account for optimal use of the system capacity. In addition, I have contributed to the development of a control method that intelligently manages heat pumps for domestic heating. It avoids high electricity peaks and can run on a simple computer".

MeppelEnergie

Van Leeuwen, who is Professor of Sustainable Energy Innovation at Saxion since 1 April 2017, developed the energy transition model on the basis of all possible forms of energy within the MeppelEnergie TKI project (Switch2SmartGrids). MeppelEnergie is a joint initiative of energy supplier MeppelEnergie, RENDO Duurzaam, the municipality of Meppel, iNRG, Delft University of Technology and the University of Twente.

The project aims to provide optimal energy supply to the Nieuwveens Landen district, a new development area in which 3,400 houses are to be built. A biogas combined heat and power plant is used to produce electric power and heat in the district. The heat is used to provide heating and warm tap water via a heating network to one part of the houses. The electricity is used to heat and cool another part of the houses with the help of heat pumps. In the ground the heat balance is preserved with residual heat from treated sewage.

L.P.W. van der Velde MSc (Laurens)
Spokesperson Executive Board (EB)