cells4.energy develops and tests energy cells as a new organizational model for regional energy systems. These integrate renewable generation, flexibility, storage, and grid services within a common structure. The goal is to create solutions that are immediately applicable, combine technical, economic, and societal aspects, and can be transferred to other regions.
Factsheet#
| Short name | cells4.energy |
| Title | Regional energy cells as multi-energy living labs for a rapid system transition |
| Duration | 01.11.2023 – 31.10.2027 |
| Partners | 20 (show all) |
| Project type | Co-funded research project |
| Project lead AIT | Branislav Iglar |
Overview#
A central element of the project is the digital control and optimization of energy flows through smart algorithms and platform solutions. This enables energy communities, prosumers, businesses, and municipalities to actively participate in the energy system. In addition to technological development, research is also being conducted on new business models, regulatory frameworks, and user acceptance.
cells4.energy is part of the cells4.energy real-world laboratory, which consists of two key pillars: the flagship project cells4.energy, where the fundamental concepts and technologies for energy cells are researched and developed, and the innovation lab act4.energy next level, which serves as a practice-oriented test environment and provides an innovation infrastructure for energy transition projects.
With cells4.energy, we are creating a blueprint for the next generation of decentralized energy systems and contributing to the advancement of the energy transition technologically, economically, and socially.
Findings#
Accelerating the energy transition through living labs#
cells4.energy enables faster testing and implementation of innovative technologies in the energy system through living labs.
Integration and validation of new technologies#
System solutions and technologies are tested under real conditions and validated for practical applicability, particularly in system integration and flexibility.
Regional diversity as a driver of innovation#
The project considers different requirements across multiple regions, enabling the development of diverse use cases and solutions.
Sector coupling and synergies#
The combination of technologies such as low-temperature district heating, waste heat utilization, and sector coupling enables more efficient energy systems.
Digital control and optimization of energy flows#
Smart algorithms and platform solutions optimize energy flows and actively integrate various stakeholders into the energy system.
Activities#
WP1: Project management
Lead: AIT
Administrative and technical project management, including meeting organization, progress monitoring, risk management, reporting, and communication with the funding authority.
WP2: Establishing the foundation
Lead: Energiekompass
Development of concepts for energy cells, creation of scenarios for real and virtual test environments, analysis of regulatory frameworks, and development of a cell simulator and economic models.
WP3: Development and validation of technology pathways
Lead: HyCentA
Development of resilient hybrid power plant concepts, cross-sector energy systems, and concepts for heat utilization, flexibility, and integration into distribution grids.
WP4: Prototype development
Lead: AIT
Implementation of prototypes for hybrid energy systems, heating networks, storage solutions, and hydrogen applications.
WP5: Implementation and testing in prototypes
Lead: AIT
Implementation and testing of cross-sector energy communities, innovative charging and storage concepts, and resilient energy system solutions.
WP6: Establishing energy cells as living labs
Lead: Energiekompass
Deployment of energy cells in different regions for practical implementation and validation of developed concepts.
WP7: Implementation in real energy cells
Lead: Energiekompass
Transfer and implementation of developed technologies into real energy cells and evaluation of implementation strategies.
WP8: Digital infrastructure and virtual power plants
Lead: Salzburg Research GmbH
Development of digital platforms, interfaces, and virtual power plants for integrating and managing energy cells.
WP9: Dissemination and knowledge transfer
Lead: AIT
Scientific and non-scientific dissemination, communication of project results, and development of structures for knowledge transfer and exploitation.
Further information#
Publications#
Project partners#
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH (Project coordination)
- Raiffeisenlandesbank Burgenland und Revisionsverband eGen
- Hydro GmbH, Engineering office for hydrogeology and geothermal energy
- Austrian Power Grid AG
- Axtesys GmbH
- Panasonic Marketing Europe GmbH
- rabmer GreenTech GmbH
- ENERGIE KOMPASS GMBH
- Pink GmbH
- HyCentA Research GmbH
- CANCOM Austria AG
- VERBUND Green Power GmbH
- VIRIDAD GmbH
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology
- Salzburg Research Forschungsgesellschaft m.b.H.
- City of Eisenstadt
- Energienetze Steiermark GmbH
- University of Passau – Chair of Computer Networks and Communication Systems
- Geo5 GmbH
Funding#
his project is funded by the granting organisation Federal Ministry of Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure and the FFG. The FFG is the central national funding agency and strengthens Austria’s innovative capacity. More information can be found in the FFG project database