This paper focuses on utilizing the Celciushouse as an escape room in energy education. In a broader context, it also addresses the incorporation of serious gaming in education. The project is part of COVE SEED. SEED - Sustainable Energy Education, aims to develop innovative vocational education and training, working with experts from five different European regions to phase out fossil fuels and contributing to Europe becoming a fossil free energy continent. SEED is a CoVE (Centres of Vocational Excellence) programme. CoVE’s are part of the Erasmus+ program aiming to establish transnational platforms on, among others, regional development, innovation and inclusion. SEED combines education on various international levels including level 2,3,4, and 6. At this moment, the project ESCAPEROOM IN ENERGY EDUCATION is still in its initial phase. With this paper and the accompanying workshop, we aim to gather insights from other international regions involved in the SEED project collaboration. The acceleration of technological developments means that what is learned today may be outdated tomorrow. Therefore, it is essential for educational institutions to focus on developing general skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to quickly absorb new information. The market demands professionals with modern knowledge and skills. Techniques taught to students today may become outdated tomorrow. Therefore, the ability to learn how to learn is becoming increasingly crucial. Analytical and research skills are therefore gaining importance. It is also essential for students to utilize various learning methods. Not just learning from books but particularly learning from practical experience. Practice-oriented learning, where students gain direct experience in real situations, not only reinforces theoretical knowledge but also develops practical skills that are valuable in the job market. To tackle these problems, serious gaming or the establishment of escape rooms can be a solution.
MULTIFILE
The application of DC grids is gaining more attention in office applications. Especially since powering an office desk would not require a high power connection to the main AC grid but could be made sustainable using solar power and battery storage. This would result in fewer converters and further advanced grid utilization. In this paper, a sustainable desk power application is described that can be used for powering typical office appliances such as computers, lighting, and telephones. The desk will be powered by a solar panel and has a battery for energy storage. The applied DC grid includes droop control for power management and can either operate stand-alone or connected to other DC-desks to create a meshed-grid system. A dynamic DC nano-grid is made using multiple self-developed half-bridge circuit boards controlled by microcontrollers. This grid is monitored and controlled using a lightweight network protocol, allowing for online integration. Droop control is used to create dynamic power management, allowing automated control for power consumption and production. Digital control is used to regulate the power flow, and drive other applications, including batteries and solar panels. The practical demonstrative setup is a small-sized desktop with applications built into it, such as a lamp, wireless charging pad, and laptop charge point for devices up to 45W. User control is added in the form of an interactive remote wireless touch panel and power consumption is monitored and stored in the cloud. The paper includes a description of technical implementation as well as power consumption measurements.
In order to improve the social acceptance of photovoltaic modules, the choice in panel color and size should be enlarged. Although various approaches have been reported to change the appearance of PV modules, it often adds complexity to the manufacturing process. Here an approach is presented in which a design module can be manufactured on standard module lines, by adding a print interlayer to the module. First results are shown on small PV panels, including performance and stability tests. Also full size panels are shown with an aluminum back panel including mounting structures for easy mounting on roofs and facades. The results show that although there is a drop in conversion efficiency by applying a print, the overall drop is lower than expected based on the print coverage. The stability tests show promising results after thermal cycling, damp heat, UV degradation and outdoor exposure.
MULTIFILE
Grid congestion has caused significant issues for many businesses and consumers, leading to pressing questions about potential expansion, the configuration of electrical infrastructure, opportunities to reduce energy usage, and the impacts of installing photovoltaic (PV) systems. This project is dedicated to developing a digital twin energy management system within an energy hub to enhance efficiency and sustainability. By integrating state-of-the-art digital twin technology with various energy systems, the project, led technically by HAN University of Applied Sciences and with security managed by Impact Iot Solutions, aims to optimize the management of diverse energy sources like solar panels, heat pumps, and storage systems. Central to our approach is ensuring that all data collected during the project, which includes system performance metrics but excludes any personal user information, is used responsibly and stored securely. Local storage at the energy hub allows real-time monitoring and data analysis, with secure remote access for project partners to facilitate collaboration. At the project's conclusion, non-sensitive data will be made publicly available on an open platform, promoting transparency and enabling further research and development by the broader community. This initiative not only seeks to improve energy management practices but also aims to serve as a model for future digital twin implementations in energy hubs worldwide. By focusing on innovation, privacy, and community engagement, the project represents a significant step forward in the integration of digital technologies into sustainable energy solutions.
