DEDALUS project team meets in Athens to discuss co-creation, interoperability, digital twins and more

Last September, DEDALUS partners met in Athens to discuss the significant strides the project has made in integrating advanced technological solutions for managing energy demand in residential settings, which make the system "agnostic" to different energy carriers. This approach is essential to fostering more sustainable energy consumption in households, thanks to an interoperable and secure infrastructure that prioritises flexibility.

A core aspect of the project is the integration of co-creation methodologies and socio-economic tools to engage users in energy decision-making. Through workshops held at pilot sites, DEDALUS collected direct feedback from users, enhancing the design and acceptance of the proposed solutions. This participatory process not only builds trust but also empowers users to play an active role in the energy transition within their own homes.

DEDALUS has developed key technologies, including digital twins, which facilitate flexible planning between resources and consumers, and advanced energy demand management models that are adaptable to various types of residential users. The infrastructure, based on the FIWARE Context Broker, ensures interoperability, allowing smart devices to interact seamlessly. Moreover, blockchain-based technologies have been implemented to protect data privacy and security, a crucial element in an increasingly interconnected energy landscape.

The pilot sites have benefited from the installation of smart meters, environmental sensors, and other essential devices for advanced energy demand management. A performance indicator system has also been developed to monitor the impact of these technologies, assessing their effects not only from a technological perspective but also in terms of social, economic, and environmental aspects. This approach allows residential consumers for a comprehensive understanding of how innovations affect users' lives and overall energy efficiency.

On the technical side, the project has focused on refining the software architecture and integrating advanced security services. Machine learning analysis of consumption profiles helps to identify Demand Response (DR) potential, highlighting the role of user behavior and data integration. This collaborative effort provides valuable insights for advancing the residential DR sector and promotes intelligent energy use.

In recent months, DEDALUS has launched a pre-pilot phase to test technological solutions at the demo buildings. Although some devices are still being installed, they are expected to be fully operational by the end of 2024. During this initial phase, users have been actively involved, providing feedback that will help improve the solutions. A social engagement plan has also been developed to motivate residents and make them active participants in the DR programs.

One of DEDALUS's key objectives is to ensure that the solutions developed can be replicated in other European contexts. To achieve this, the project has identified and continuously monitors key results, with the aim of developing effective business models and intellectual property strategies. In parallel, ongoing discussions with regulatory bodies and energy authorities are paving the way for the adoption of common standards, creating a favorable framework for secure data sharing and widespread implementation of Demand-Response solutions.

Contacts
Coordinator:
Diego Arnone, Engineering S.p.A, diego.arnone@eng.it
Communication:

Ilaria Orfino, ICONS, ilaria.orfino@icons.it

Project website: DEDALUS HORIZON
LinkedIn: DEDALUS
YouTube: DEDALUS-EU
Mastodon: https://mastodon.energy/@DEDALUS

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