Spectral

 
Schoonschip is a community of 46 households that is being constructed in Buiksloterham, a neighborhood on the north side of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The community has the ambition to be the most sustainable residential development in Europe, aiming to re-envision the way we approach urban development. Schoonschip is the focal point for the Grid-Friends project, an innovative R&D initiative geared towards setting a new standard in smart-grid technology. Spectral is currently leading the implementation of the smart-grid infrastructure, energy storage, and renewable energy systems at Schoonschip.

 
In summer of 2017, Spectral will be launching a new platform for setting up local energy markets based on blockchain technology. The first phase of the project will take place at De Ceuvel, an Amsterdam community which has become a globally visible showcase for sustainable urban development. De Ceuvel features its own private microgrid, in which Spectral, together with Dutch DSO Alliander, will be piloting new approaches for enabling local (peer-to-peer) energy trading via a local alternative token called the “Jouliette.” Beyond just tracking energy flows, the Jouliette can be used to enable other intra-community services, such as a car sharing program. As a system integration specialist, Spectral is responsible for the development of the (blockchain) software package, as well as delivery of customized hardware solutions for smart-metering and data collection.

 
In July of 2017, Spectral launched a new data analytics platform which enables energy utilities to extract unique business intelligence from the vast amounts of smart-meter data streaming into their servers every day. This Big Data solution enables users to quickly visualize customer-specific energy data in order to gain greater insight into consumption patterns and trends. Advanced algorithms and simulation tools seamlessly identify cost saving opportunities for the customer, while also assessing the potential for new products and services based on renewables and smart energy solutions. The platform was recently rolled-out to complement the business strategy and operations of Greenchoice, the Netherland’s number one green energy supplier.

 
Blijburg is a beach complex located in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, consisting of several restaurants and an events space. Spectral was responsible for the design and implementation of an advanced microgrid for optimizing energy efficiency and savings at Blijburg. Our Smart Power Block ensures that all of their solar energy is consumed in-house, while managing their peak power demand to enable using a smaller grid connection. Blijburg is also equipped with an advanced VRV heat pump system which allows the waste heat from their beer coolers and refrigerators to be used for heating needs. Not only does Blijburg achieve huge savings over the course of the project, but also large reductions in CO2 emissions.

 
Spectral recently concluded the first phase of a collaborative project commissioned by Alliander, the Netherlands’ most progressive grid operator, which was focused on developing an integral IT architecture for the future of the energy system. Spectral worked closely with Alliander’s strategy department to identify critical requirements and to devise different scenarios for the evolution of the energy sector by 2030. Philip Gladek, CEO of Spectral, said: “As the urgency to transition towards a more sustainable, clean energy economy increases, so does the necessity to adapt existing market models and technological standards. The role of existing market players, such as grid companies, is also rapidly changing as developments in ICT and Big Data enable completely new modes of operation. As a disruptive start-up specializing in system integration and smart energy solutions, Spectral brings valuable insight to the table in helping companies like Alliander to craft new strategic pathways within the ever-evolving energy landscape.”

 
Spectral was recently commissioned by the water company Waternet to contribute to realizing the ambitious goals for their ground-breaking new sanitation pilot in Amsterdam. For the first time ever, Waternet is building a (decentralized) neighborhood-scale sanitation facility which will treat and extract nutrients from organic waste collected from local residents in Buiksloterham. Spectral recently concluded the first phase of the project, which was focused on identifying opportunities for optimizing the energy aspects of the facility. Spectral analyzed a number of strategies for increasing on-site renewable energy production, as well as several alternatives for maximizing the value of using the biogas which is generated as a byproduct of the waste digestion process. Beyond addressing the challenges around local energy optimization, Spectral also assessed opportunities for integrating the facility with the surrounding neighborhood, enablng Waternet to supply supplemental energy to the very communities which it serves with the new sanitation facility.

 
Throughout 2016, Spectral was subcontracted by Dutch research institute Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica to participate in EIT-MMGS, a project focused on developing innovative solutions for the off-grid microgrid market. Spectral’s role in the project centered around the development of two specific products: a portable PV array for easily expanding production capacity within the microgrid, and an integral energy management system for intelligently steering supply, storage, and demand assets. Spectral was responsible for designing and prototyping the modular microgrid systems, which are currently being prepared for broader market rollout.