Real-World Implementations & Projects in Progress
The Homer system is being implemented across a variety of environments, from complex commercial installations to specialized research projects. These implementations demonstrate the versatility and potential effectiveness of our approach to energy management and automation.
Agricultural & Hospitality Complex
Status: Partially ImplementedThis flagship implementation demonstrates the infrastructure of the Homer system in managing a complex, integrated energy system for a combined agricultural business and hospitality facility.
System Overview
This installation integrates multiple heat sources, storage systems, and control points with the goal of optimizing energy usage across the entire facility:
Heat Sources
- Biomeiler for organic heat generation
- Solar thermal collectors
- Heat pump with dual functionality
- Solar photovoltaic panels
- Two pellet stoves for supplementary heating
Distribution & Control
- 3 buffer tanks for heat storage
- 28 control nodes monitoring system parameters
- Basic building management integration
- Control systems for renewable sources
Current Implementation Status
The facility has been operating with the basic Homer infrastructure for 10+ years with the physical components (heat sources, buffer tanks, and control nodes) in place. These components are currently regulated according to basic supply and demand principles, and the pellet stoves can be controlled remotely.
Unique Challenges
This installation requires managing the diverse energy needs of both agricultural operations and hospitality services:
- Varying temperature requirements across different zones
- Balancing energy recovery from refrigeration with heating needs
- Prioritizing different heat sources based on availability and cost
- Ensuring reliability for business-critical operations
Homer Solution In Progress
Homer is currently developing enhanced systems to orchestrate this complex environment through:
- Intelligent conductor hierarchy for resource allocation
- Dynamic prioritization based on temperature needs and available sources
- Comprehensive monitoring with long-term data analysis
- Resilient design with fallback operations for critical systems
Expected Benefits
Energy Optimization
Reduced external energy requirements by maximizing renewable source utilization and heat recovery
Cost Reduction
Operational cost savings through intelligent source prioritization
Reliability
Enhanced system reliability with minimal maintenance requirements
Operational Insight
Comprehensive monitoring providing actionable data for continued improvement
Project Status: Optimization system currently in development - results awaiting implementation.
TEAPOTS Biomeiler Research Project
Status: Collaborative DevelopmentHomer is currently working in collaboration with Stichting Biomeiler on the TEAPOTS research project. This partnership has led to the development of an exclusive monitoring module designed specifically for biomeilers.
Project Overview
Biomeilers are organic heating systems that generate heat through the composting process. The TEAPOTS project aims to improve the efficiency and practicality of these sustainable heating solutions.
Monitoring Parameters (In Development)
- Temperature readings at multiple points
- Heat extraction rates
- System flow rates
- Environmental conditions
Control Functions (Planned)
- Pump operation optimization
- Heat extraction management
- Data collection and analysis
- Remote monitoring capabilities
Current Implementation Status
An exclusive monitoring module has been developed for this application and is currently entering the testing phase. Expectations for this system are high, but real-world performance data is still being collected.
Homer Solution Features
The Homer system is being adapted to the specific needs of biomeiler research through:
- Custom sensor configurations for biomeiler monitoring
- Specialized algorithms for composting heat extraction
- Data logging optimized for research purposes
- Remote access for researchers to monitor experiments
Expected Benefits
Research Data
Collection of valuable data on biomeiler performance under various conditions
Performance Analysis
Detailed analytics on biomeiler behavior throughout composting lifecycle
Project Status: Testing phase - results expected in coming months.
Multi-Source Residential Heating System
Status: Hardware InstalledThis implementation will demonstrate how Homer can optimize a sophisticated residential heating system with multiple heat sources, providing comfort while minimizing costs.
System Overview
This residential installation will integrate several heating technologies to maximize efficiency and minimize external energy requirements:
Heat Sources
- Solar thermal panels for water heating
- Heat pump for supplementary heating
- Wood-fired boiler for peak demand
Distribution & Control
- Two buffer tanks for heat storage
- Underfloor heating system
- Domestic hot water priority control
Current Implementation Status
All necessary hardware components have been installed at this residential location. The optimization system is the next planned implementation for the Homer team.
Unique Requirements
This installation needs to balance multiple considerations:
- Maximizing use of renewable solar thermal energy
- Optimizing heat pump operation based on electricity prices
- Providing guidance on when to use the wood-fired boiler
- Maintaining comfort while minimizing costs
Planned Homer Solution
The system will intelligently manage the residential heating through:
- Predictive algorithms for solar availability
- Dynamic electricity price integration
- User-friendly interface for manual intervention decisions
- Temperature maintenance within comfort parameters
Target Benefits
Cost Savings
Reduction in energy costs through intelligent source management
Solar Utilization
Increased solar thermal utilization
Optimized Wood Heating
Clear guidance on when wood heating provides the most benefit
Comfort Improvement
More consistent temperatures and hot water availability
Project Status: Optimization system in planning stage - implementation coming soon.
Common Features Across Implementations
Intelligent Energy Management
All implementations are designed for cost reductions through intelligent energy source management and optimization.
Data-Driven Insights
Comprehensive data collection and analysis to provide actionable insights for continued system improvement.
Adaptability
The Homer system is designed to adapt to widely varying requirements and environments.
Long-Term Reliability
Systems designed for durability and minimal maintenance requirements.
Ready to Implement Your Own Homer Solution?
Whether you're managing a complex commercial facility, conducting research, or optimizing a residential system, Homer can be tailored to meet your specific needs.