The accelerating Dutch energy transition faces a growing challenge: grid congestion is increasingly limiting the integration of local renewable energy and electrification initiatives. This thesis addresses this challenge by designing and optimizing a Closed Distribution System (CDS) for the Werf area in Hilversum, a mixed-use area that aims to achieve energy autonomy by 2028. In collaboration with the HET cooperative and stakeholders from the Vereniging Duurzame Werf (VDW), this research explores the optimal sizing and configuration of a multi-carrier energy hub integrating a fifth-generation district heating network (5GDHN), aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES), photovoltaic thermal (PVT) modules, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and additional photovoltaic (PV) generation.

A python based energy system model was converted to an MILP-based optimization model to minimize costs under a range of future grid connection scenarios, while meeting projected 2028 electrical and thermal demand profiles at a 15-minute resolution. The results of these scenarios are used to predict infrastructure capacity requirements for the future energy system.

The electrical and thermal demand patterns for 2028 were estimated and confirmed, accumulating to 1,244 MWh and 1,371 MWh respectively. The energy system is optimally sized for two connection categories; the AC5a connection category (535–630 kW) requires a relatively modest investment of €427k, while the SolarPark connection (300–350 kW) entails a significantly higher investment of €4.9M. However, this higher investment enables substantially greater energy autonomy for the area. The proposed load shifting technique does not improve the optimal cost solution for all possible connections, but the direct load control does. While parts of the existing electrical infrastructure can be reused, certain sections will need to be upgraded or replaced with higher-capacity components, depending on the selected grid connection size.

This study contributes a replicable framework for CDS-based energy hub design with an ATES in urban environments and demonstrates how energy hubs can at the same time reduce regional grid stress and contribute to the regional energy autonomy. This thesis enables sustainable urban redevelopment aligned with Dutch climate targets.

In rural areas, a stable electricity supply is in 2022 still not a certainty. To provide these areas with constant power, components to create a DC micro-grid are developed. This paper discusses the possibilities to create insight into the performance, the power which is drawn, and the productivity of the components. These parameters are fundamental for the users, operators, and developers. For offline data logging, the software is written for a micro-controller to log relevant data to a microSD card. The microcontroller is programmed in C, and the communication between the controller and the micro-SD card will be taken care of by the SPI protocol. The control of the file system is realized with FatFS, saving comma separate value files (.csv) containing all the desired data. For real-time insight and easy control of the device, an app framework is developed. This framework makes use of MQTT, Flutter, and Dart, to create a user-friendly and structured environment. The bi-directional communication between the app and the controller is done with the use of a wifi module, which communicates with the microcontroller via UART. The paper stands out with the integration of multiple controllers, program languages, communication protocols, and physical components.