Decentralised and sustainable energy production is becoming increasingly important in our energy supply. Linking such types of power generation to existing energy networks requires a well thought out working method. VITO's research programme "Smart Systems for Intelligent Energy Networks" responds to the needs created within the concept of Smart Grids.
Energy demand flexibility and production through distributed energy sources (wind turbines, photovoltaic installations, cogeneration, fuel cells...) hereby play a crucial role in combination with thermal (underground energy storage, phase change materials...) as well as electric storage systems (batteries, plug-in hybrid vehicles...).
VITO hereby further extends a unique combination of years of experience with thermal and electric network linked systems, on the user's side as well as on the production and storage side. Thanks to a combination of this knowledge with our core competence "System Integration and Control" VITO profiles itself as a developer and system integrator of smart systems that operate optimally, while taking into account the demands of the building or the user and the energy networks to which they are coupled.
To conduct this research, VITO has a team of specialists with expertise in power electronics, mechanics, thermodynamics, measurement and control technologies and ICT. To assist this team, VITO has simulation models, monitoring and measurement instruments and an extensive smart grid testing infrastructure at its disposal.
What we offer
As an independent research institution aimed at technological innovation, we offer our knowledge and expertise for the following:
- Assistance in the setup and execution of pilot projects within the framework ofsmart grids
- Advice on integration and control of decentralised energy systems (production, consumption and storage) in buildings (residential, tertiary, industry) in micro grids (eg. sustainable SME's or industrial areas) and in virtual power plants (VPP).
- Technological development of smart systems (integration, control, energy management, grid connection, power quality...), either commissioned or via a partnership.
- Possibility to combine theoretical research with and to validate by means of experimental research in our smart grid testing infrastructure.
- Policy assisting advice on smart grids and relevant energy markets.
Partners/Clients
- Distribution network operators
- Building project developers
- Cities and municipalities
- Housing corporations
- Technology suppliers: cogeneration, PV, heat pumps, batteries, metering, wind, underground storage systems, HVAC, electrical appliances, electrical inverters,
electric security...
- ICT companies: internet services, data management services
- Research institutes, universities
- Energy regulators
