In the heart of Athens, Greece, a team of researchers led by Dimitra Douvi from Paragon S.A. has been working on a groundbreaking project that could revolutionize the way we predict and manage energy demand. The SENDER project, funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, aims to engage consumers in the energy sector with innovative applications to achieve proactive demand response and optimized usage of renewable energy sources.
At the core of this project is the development of a consumer Digital Twin (DT), a sophisticated model that digitally represents occupant behaviors and energy consumption patterns. “The Digital Twin is designed to continuously learn and adapt by processing real-time and historical data,” explains Douvi. “This enables us to predict energy demand with remarkable accuracy, paving the way for more efficient energy management.”
The research methodology involved creating a mock-up simulation environment for three pilot sites, training and calibrating the DT using artificial data, and validating the model with real data from the Alginet pilot site in Spain. The results were impressive, with a maximum deviation of ±2% between the DT predictions and mock-up data.
The implications for the energy sector are significant. By accurately predicting energy demand, utilities can better manage their resources, reduce waste, and integrate more renewable energy sources into the grid. “This technology can help us transition to a more sustainable energy future,” says Douvi. “It’s not just about saving money; it’s about saving the planet.”
The research also incorporated the International Energy Agency’s Energy in Buildings and Communities Annex 66 and the Drivers-Needs-Actions-Systems framework to standardize occupant behavior modeling. This ensures that the DT is not just a tool for prediction, but also a means of understanding and influencing consumer behavior.
The article, published in the journal ‘Computation’ (translated to English), defines a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the system’s technical effectiveness. These KPIs provide a benchmark for future developments in the field, ensuring that the technology continues to evolve and improve.
The SENDER project is a testament to the power of innovation in the energy sector. By harnessing the potential of Digital Twins and other advanced technologies, we can create a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient energy system. As Douvi puts it, “The future of energy is not just about generating power; it’s about managing it wisely.”