EU FESR SMART-HUB Innovative Energy Management System for Charging Hubs Integrated with Renewable Energy
The SMART-HUB project proposes the development of an innovative Energy Management System (EMS) for electric vehicle charging hubs, based on a hybrid approach that integrates Model Predictive Control with Artificial Intelligence techniques. The system will optimally manage the interaction between charging stations of different power levels (quick, fast, and hyper), photovoltaic (PV) installations on canopies, and energy storage systems, maximizing the use of electricity produced from Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in charging systems and the economic return for hub operators while offering dynamic tariffs to users through smart charging. The project's innovation is structured around three main axes: (1) the development of a hybrid EMS that combines mathematical predictive models with machine learning algorithms to optimize energy flows in real-time, considering technical constraints, weather forecasts, charging demand predictions, and energy prices; (2) the creation of an artificial intelligence-based tool for optimizing hub placement, which considers factors such as photovoltaic productivity, shading in mountainous environments, points of interest, and traffic flows; (3) the implementation of optimization models for the optimal sizing of hub components (photovoltaic, storage, and grid connection). The project, which involves collaboration between Eurac Research, Alperia Green Future, NEOGY, and Kerr, will address the sector's main challenges: managing systemic complexity, real-time optimization of energy flows and the use of energy produced from RES, and managing uncertainties related to renewable generation and charging demand. The proposed approach will overcome the limitations of current energy management systems, offering a scalable and replicable solution for sustainable mobility electrification.
The Context
SMART-HUB was created to address the specific challenges of mobility electrification in South Tyrol, a region characterized by mountainous topography, strong tourism orientation, and high environmental awareness. The project strategically fits within the "Green Technologies" and "Automation and Digital" specialization areas of the Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3) of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano.
Main Objectives
The project aims to develop a comprehensive solution for intelligent charging hubs, structured around four main objectives:
1. Hub Placement Optimization Development of an artificial intelligence-based tool that analyzes the territory considering photovoltaic productivity, shading effects in mountainous environments, traffic flows, and points of interest to identify optimal locations for charging hubs.
2. Optimal Component Sizing Creation of optimization models to determine the ideal configuration of photovoltaic installations on canopies, energy storage systems, and grid connections, balancing energy efficiency, economic sustainability, and landscape integration.
3. Innovative Energy Management System Implementation of a hybrid EMS that combines Model Predictive Control and machine learning to manage energy flows in real-time between charging stations, photovoltaics, and storage, maximizing the use of renewable energy.
4. Smart Charging and Dynamic Tariffs Development of algorithms for intelligent charging management with dynamic tariffs that incentivize usage during peak photovoltaic production hours, optimizing both user satisfaction and infrastructure profitability.
The Consortium
The project involves collaboration among complementary partners:
- Eurac Research: expertise in sustainable mobility, energy optimization, and territorial analysis
- Alperia Green Future: twenty years of experience in energy efficiency and management of complex energy systems
- NEOGY: specialization in promoting and managing electric mobility infrastructure
- Kerr: competencies in developing integrated hardware solutions
The Innovation
SMART-HUB introduces significant innovations on multiple levels:
- Hybrid approach integrating mathematical predictive models with artificial intelligence
- Consideration of Alpine territory specificities (shading, mountainous topography)
- Modular and scalable hardware architecture
- Innovative business models with dynamic pricing based on renewable energy availability
Benefits for the Territory
The project will bring multidimensional benefits:
- Environmental: maximization of renewable energy use for electric charging
- Economic: development of skills and innovative products with international commercialization potential
- Tourism: increased territory attractiveness for sustainable tourism
- Social: more efficient and affordable charging infrastructure for residents and visitors
- Project duration: -
- Project status:
- Funding: FESR (EU funding / Project)
- Institute: Institute for Renewable Energy
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