Garden center as energy hub

The Heerhugowaard-based Intratuin store underwent a transformation in recent years. Elektropartners built an innovative and smart energy storage system here, an advanced charging plaza and a completely renovated catering plaza. "This system is a special innovation that fits perfectly with our objective of not only managing energy, but also optimizing it."

The reason for the project lies in a common problem in the Netherlands: grid congestion. Roald de Jong of Elektropartners: "Intratuin Heerhugowaard has an electrical connection with a capacity higher than what it currently consumes. In order to use this power as optimally as possible, we sat down with the entrepreneur to come up with a solution. How can we use this power efficiently and at the same time achieve high efficiency?"

Smart charging stations and energy storage

A solution that had long been on the wish list was the installation of charging stations for electric vehicles. In this, Elektropartners saw an opportunity to make smart use of this "surplus" power. Dennis Koopmans of Elektropartners: "By using smart charging stations, we can use energy directly when it is needed, supplemented with power from the solar panels on the roof. In addition, we wanted to apply energy storage, so that we could store cheap power to sell again at a later time."

For the energy storage system, Elektropartners chose two battery systems of 200 kWh each, good for a total storage capacity of 400 kWh. "The charging plaza will be equipped with twelve 22 kW connections. This will allow cars with stronger inverters to charge up to twice as fast in the future. The faster we can charge, the more profitable it is. These charging stations perform better than standard models, especially at minimum power. They can ensure that vehicles are always charged, even when the power supply is variable," De Jong explained. The charging plaza will also be equipped with a 360 kWh Siemens fast charger for visitors who only stay at Intratuin for a short time. This not only ensures a quick charging session, but also offers added value for the garden center. For example, people who charge their car will be offered a free cup of coffee while waiting, creating more traffic in the store.

Software based on artificial intelligence

The hardware is only one aspect of the total solution. To control and optimize the entire system, Elektropartners partnered with TIBO, an Eindhoven-based start-up. TIBO developed smart software based on artificial intelligence that increases the efficiency of the system by as much as 20%. "This software can reduce the payback time of the project by eight months. It is an extraordinary innovation that fits perfectly with our goal of not only managing energy, but also optimizing it," Koopmans said. The name TIBO stands for Technology Innovation in Battery Optimization. The company was founded on a vision to improve the efficiency of energy storage systems and to support the global energy transition. The company develops and implements smart energy management systems that make batteries and other energy storage systems more efficient. Its core product is a software platform specifically designed to maximize the efficiency of battery systems. This platform uses AI algorithms that learn from a company or household's energy use and production patterns. Based on this data, the systems can predict when energy is cheapest to store and when it is most profitable to use or sell.

Hospitality square and security

At the Heerhugowaard branch of Intratuin, the catering area was also completely renovated and expanded. Elektropartners provided a new electrical installation, fire alarm and voice evacuation systems, as well as lighting and all other installations. In addition, Intratuin invested in security. Finally, Elektropartners supported the entrepreneur with various subsidy applications. These included the replacement of fluorescent lighting with LED lighting, energy storage and the charging infrastructure. In addition, the company receives subsidies for renewable fuel units when visitors charge their cars with energy generated by the solar panels. The addition of in-house energy storage means it can now be claimed even when the sun is not shining.

According to De Jong, the energy transition is now rapidly approaching. "Companies almost have to become energy hubs: they have to be able to use or supply energy to society themselves. Large entrepreneurs, such as those at Intratuin Heerhugowaard, recognize this and are taking the necessary steps. We are proud that we can contribute to this and see it as a great case for our company."