Project

Renewable Energy SOlutions for URban communities based on Circular Economy policies and Dc backbones

Acronym
RE-SOURCED
Code
41X05620
Duration
01 July 2020 → 30 June 2024
Funding
European funding: various
Promotor
Research disciplines
  • Engineering and technology
    • Modelling not elsewhere classified
    • Other electrical and electronic engineering not elsewhere classified
    • Other engineering and technology not elsewhere classified
Keywords
renewable energy storage DC backbone flexibility
Other information
 
Project description

CHALLENGE The increase of renewable energy goes hand in hand with a higher demand for materials like lithium, aluminium and copper. Reports urge for an energy transition with energy systems that are more sustainable, based on circular economy strategies. SOLUTION The aim of RE/SOURCED is to design and demonstrate a circular mid-scale and self-sufficient energy system in an urban environment. The site consists of (social) family houses, offices, a microbrewery and leisure and sporting facilities on a large heritage site called Transfo. The backbone of the system is a DC (direct current) power grid, offering efficiencies both in terms of energy savings (less conversion losses) and material use (more capacity with the same amount of metals/materials). The DC power grid links a collective set of distributed renewable resources (PV and wind) and energy storage (second-life batteries, pumped and flywheel storage in existing structures and vehicle-to-grid). The project proposal coincides with an acknowledgement of the site as a regulatory sandbox, for which the MUA is making preparations. A local energy community, in which all users participate, will manage the shared infrastructure and co-operation. The lighthouse, an operational circular smart grid, will nurture & engage citizens. An educational trajectory for citizens & children is designed and implemented. A training package for professionals enables other cities to adopt integrated circular energy systems.

 
Role of Ghent University
To develop a backbone in direct current that connects all these sources together with contemporary storage systems. The development of such a DC backbone will create an optimally integrated network with minimal losses while maximizing the use of renewable energy
 
 
Disclaimer
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Regional Development Fund, ERDF. Neither the European Union nor the authority can be held responsible for any use the may be made of the information contained therein.