OPZUID: Genius

Managing energy flow

At the core of GENIUS is the installation of a 3.4 MWh battery to prevent peak loads on the campus electricity grid. This battery, along with other energy assets such as solar panels, heating systems, and residential towers, will be connected through an intelligent energy management system.

This software platform functions as the beating heart of the project, enabling smart control of assets including batteries, charging stations, and solar panels. Smart meters will provide real-time data, which, combined with historical data and predictive modeling, will allow the platform to optimize energy flows and reduce pressure on the city’s electricity grid.

Testing ground for innovation

GENIUS offers a unique real-life testing ground for innovative energy technologies. Companies can experiment, validate, and demonstrate their solutions in an operational environment.

Examples include:

• A heat storage unit provided by RIFT
• A large-scale battery system from Fudura

Once the initial closed-loop system is operational, the setup will be expanded to communicate with neighboring organizations, creating a local energy hub to balance grid loads regionally.

Strengthening expertise

GENIUS brings together TU/e’s Energy research community, Real Estate, and a wide network of companies, start-ups, and government bodies. This collaboration aligns the energy usage of multiple campus stakeholders, from research groups and housing associations to maintenance services and electricity suppliers.