What is the Smart Energy Delivery lab?
The SEnD Lab is a test and research environment where the entire energy chain- generation, storage, conversion, and distribution- comes together. It includes, among other things:
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its own (partly) simulated electricity grid;
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systems for local energy generation (such as PV);
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energy storage technologies (such as batteries);
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charging and conversion technologies (including charging stations and power electronics);
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control and monitoring systems for smart energy management.
At the SEnD Lab, MNEXT investigates how electricity can be delivered in a smart, reliable, and affordable way within an energy system with a high share of renewable generation. The setups are designed to allow safe experimentation with new configurations, control strategies, and business models for smart energy.
Focus: Smart Energy Systems & Energy Distribution
At the Smart Energy Delivery Lab, the focus is on the practical side of the energy transition, with themes such as:
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Smart grids and local energy networks
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Flexibility: demand and supply management, peak shaving, and load balancing
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Integration of renewable generation (solar, wind) into the electricity grid
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Energy storage and the integration of storage at the building, district, or business park level
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Charging infrastructure for electric mobility and smart charging
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Power electronics, conversion technologies, and power engineering
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Monitoring, data analysis, and digital twins of energy systems
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Testing new control strategies, algorithms, and control software
This combination makes the SEnD Lab an ideal environment for developing, testing, and demonstrating innovative solutions for smart energy supply in a realistic setting.
Connected to education and research
Like Living Greenlab and the Joint Research Centre Breda, the SEnD Lab is firmly embedded in the Avans and MNEXT network. Education, applied research, and the real-world challenges of companies come together here.
Research groups
Within the SEnD Lab, research groups focused on energy, the sustainable built environment, and digitalization collaborate closely. By combining expertise in electrical engineering, IT, data science, and energy and building services engineering, integrated solutions are developed for smart energy grids and energy management.
Education: MBO–HBO–professionals
In the SEnD Lab, students gain hands-on experience in an environment that closely resembles the professional field. MBO and HBO students contribute to:
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the design and construction of experimental setups;
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measurements and data analysis;
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testing smart control strategies;
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modeling and simulating energy systems.
In this way, they learn to work with state-of-the-art technologies, safety standards, and analysis tools, while developing skills that directly align with the practical demands of the energy transition.
External partners
Companies, grid operators, governments, and other organizations bring their challenges related to smart energy and energy distribution to the SEnD Lab. Examples include:
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integration of PV, energy storage, and charging infrastructure;
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testing new control concepts for buildings, districts, or business parks;
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exploring business cases for flexibility and energy services.
The SEnD Lab offers a neutral, professional environment in which researchers and students work together with partners to develop practical, applicable solutions.
What you can do at the Smart Energy Delivery lab?
As an organization, student, or research partner, you can use the SEnD Lab for:
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Designing, testing, and validating smart energy systems
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Research on local energy management in buildings and neighborhoods
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Practical trials with smart charging and charging infrastructure
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Simulation and modeling of grid impact and flexibility options
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Pilot projects for smart grid concepts and energy services
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Monitoring and data analysis of energy generation, storage, and consumption
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Education and training of (future) professionals in a realistic energy environment
What is your research question to the SEnD lab?
Are you working on smart energy solutions, energy distribution, or local energy networks and looking for a practical environment to test your ideas? Do you want to set up a prototype, pilot, or demonstrator for smart energy technology?
Get in touch with the Smart Energy Delivery Lab to:
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explore your research question;
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discuss opportunities for research, pilots, or collaboration;
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connect with ongoing programs on smart energy systems and energy distribution.
The SEnD Lab helps you take the step from concept to a tested, scalable, and future-proof energy system, together with you.
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