The first ICON (interdisciplinary cooperative research) project MAMÛET (Machine learning for real-time Advanced Multi Energy Trading) investigates the intelligent management of the local energy system (LES) with energy vectors such as electricity, thermie, HVAC, mobility by a renewable energy community (REC). 

The MAMÛET research themes are self-learning algorithms for status estimations and predictions, optimal management and steering strategies, business and operating models. One of the first achievements is the ‘Smart Digital Table Top’. This is an interactive simulator that allows new energy models and algorithms to be tested and visualized in an interactive scale model of the Research Park. The partners are SDM, PowerPulse, Priva Building Intelligence, ABB and VUB. 

The second ICON project Optibids (Optimized bi-directional & smart vehicle charging in LES) aims to integrate electromobility into local energy systems. Smart and bi-directional loading strategies are designed, as well as direct current (DC) charging systems in and outside the vehicle in combination with the local DC storage system. The first results of the hardware concepts are tested and the V2G approach is planned. Furthermore, the socio-economic aspects are taken into account by analyzing the answers to the questions of the ‘smart charging EV-drivers’. The smart charging systems will be integrated into three pilot sites including Green Energy Park so that the valorization and creation of services may happen in real circumstances.

The partners are Blueways International, Powerdale, Imtech, Scholt Energy Control, VDL Roeselare and VUB. 

Green Energy Park is also a partner in the ICON project ROLECS where the rollout of energy communities is being studied. The first large-scale living lab is in full development. The Smart Village Lab where “the smart home” in the “smart residential area” is central, makes it possible to develop and test intelligent systems for the smart and sustainable management of various flexible homes. 

In the Smart Home Lab, communication between the digital meter and the various smart home systems is put into practice. Electric and thermal energy can also be exchanged between different smart homes or with a smart energy grid with collective energy systems such as neighbourhood batteries and collective charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. 

The Interreg RegEnergy project ensures the installation of the electrical storage infrastructure and the European Regional Development Fund (EFRD) project Smart Multi Energy Lab (SMEL) ensures the expansion of the electricity distribution network and the electrical installations of residences (the indoor installations, the meters, a control center, the installation components of homes such as heat pumps, sanitary hot water vessel, thermal buffer, home batteries, ICT part, security, etc.) 

The Green Energy Park is also part of the EU Interreg project ConnectSME where the unique living lab offers development and testing opportunities to companies, knowledge institutions, governments and end-users.