Integrated, smart energy solutions supplied to Caparis locations

Alfen supplied integrated energy solutions at two locations of the Dutch sheltered workshop Caparis, consisting of a smart electricity grid, EV charging stations and an energy administration system. The core objectives of this project were to maximise the use of self-generated solar energy and promote the use of clean vehicles. 

Caparis is a social workshop owned by eight Dutch municipalities. The organisation helps people to make a positive contribution to society by providing work opportunities to those who struggle or are unable to find employment in their own right through the regular channels. Alfen's smart energy solutions are combined with solar panels at two of the three locations of Caparis; Heerenveen and Drachten.

The third location in Leeuwarden is under development. A new smart micro grid has been installed at each location, each fitted with three Alfen transformer substations. A total of 92 smart Alfen Eve EV sockets have been integrated in the new carport infrastructure at both locations. These are connected to an Alfen Smart Charging Network that uses dynamic load balancing to distribute the available energy over all the sockets. This guarantees maximum charging speed within the limits of the local grid capacity.

Alfen Connect energy acts as an energy management system: it continuously keeps track of the energy demand at each location and ensures that the generated solar energy is directed to the facilities. The residue is made available for EVs. Excess electricity is directed back to the electricity grid. The energy solutions have also been configured to enable further optimisation in the future by means of energy storage.