Objective
The ambition of this project is to enable the utilisation of the full potential of renewable energy (up to covering 100% of the energy demand on district level). In order to reach this goal, the E-hub concept is developed, which is crucial for the implementation of such a large share of renewables. An E-Hub is a physical cross point, similar to an energy station, in which energy and information streams are interconnected, and where the different forms of energy can be converted into each other and/or can be stored. The E-hub exchanges energy via the energy grids between the different actors (e.g. households, renewable energy plants, offices), who may be a consumer at one time, and a supplier at another time. The consumers and suppliers exchange information on their energy needs and energy production with the energy hub, the hub then distributes the energy available in the most efficient way. For proper matching of supply and demand, the E-hub uses conversion and storage of energy, as well as load shifting. The consumers and suppliers should be connected to this E-hub by means of bi-directional energy grids (low and/or high temperature heat grid, cold grid for cooling, electrical grid (AC and/or DC), gas grid (H2, biogas, syngas). The renewable energy may be generated locally (e.g. from PV on residences) or by centralised means (a geothermal plant or a large CHP located within the district that may be fuelled by biofuel or H2). The E-Hub concept holds for all types of energy flow, from heating and cooling to electricity, biogas and H2, and may connect not only households but also (electrical) cars, commercial buildings or industry. The aim of the proposed project is: to develop the e-hub as a system, to develop technologies that are necessary to realize the system, to develop business models in order to overcome institutional and financial barriers, and to demonstrate an E-hub in the form of a real situation and in a few case studies/feasibility studies.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsrenewable energy
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectrical engineeringpower engineeringelectric power distribution
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectrical engineeringpower engineeringelectric power generationcombined heat and power
- social scienceseconomics and businessbusiness and managementbusiness models
- engineering and technologyindustrial biotechnologybiomaterialsbiofuels
Programme(s)
Call for proposal
FP7-2010-NMP-ENV-ENERGY-ICT-EeB
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
CP - Collaborative project (generic)Coordinator
2595 DA Den Haag
Netherlands
See on map
Participants (18)
Participation ended
20124 MILANO
See on map
Participation ended
02044 VTT ESPOO
See on map
1755 LE Petten
See on map
16129 Genova
See on map
28033 MADRID
See on map
2400 Mol
See on map
80686 Munchen
See on map
02150 Espoo
See on map
16126 Genova
See on map
28514 NUEVO BAZTAN MADRID
See on map
75008 Paris
See on map
Participation ended
1000 BRUXELLES
See on map
02 673 Warszawa
See on map
1040 BRUXELLES
See on map
Participation ended
8400 OOSTENDE
See on map
20124 Milano
See on map
SW15 1BN LONDON
See on map
18055 ROSTOCK
See on map