Organic Farm Fluofeld. Increased Self-Consumption Through Energy Management | ecocoach Case Study

Organic Farm Fluofeld

An energy management system that provides greater clarity and more benefits. The Fluofeld organic farm uses the ecoEnergyCoach to visualize energy flows, use solar power more efficiently, and sell excess electricity back to the grid.

6414 Oberarth
(Switzerland)

Farm

The Fluofeld organic farm in Oberarth produces organic vegetables and berries for Central Switzerland. The farm needs energy daily for cooling, storage, processing, and hot water. At the same time, the existing solar power systems generate some electricity on the farm.

As with many agricultural operations, the question arose: how could the self-generated solar power be better utilised? In addition, the farm lacked a comprehensive overview of its energy flows. Where is energy consumed, and how much? When do peak loads occur? And what potential remains in the existing infrastructure?

With the energy management system energyCoach from ecocoach, we implemented a solution that answers these questions while also opening up new possibilities.

Visualizing Energy Flows

The first step was to create transparency. Additional measurement points and the visualisation in ecoEnergyCoach now show where and when the farm needs energy. Electricity and heat can be monitored in one place.

This data not only helps improve day-to-day operations, it also lays the groundwork for using energy where it provides the greatest benefit.

Together with our partner PowerEdge, we implemented a solution that optimally combines energy management and a storage system. While ecoEnergyCoach handles the collection, visualisation, and control of energy flows, the battery storage systems supplied by PowerEdge provide the flexibility needed to store and deliver energy.

Using Solar Power in a Targeted Way

The ecoEnergyCoach continuously optimises energy flows between the photovoltaic system, battery storage, and loads. Excess solar power can be stored and used later. This increases self-consumption and reduces dependence on grid electricity.

In addition, power peaks are smoothed out. This helps to control operating energy costs better. Hot water heating has also been integrated. This allows excess solar energy to be used before it is fed into the grid.

Making Good Use of Available Grid Capacity

The Fluofeld organic farm has a high-capacity grid connection that is underutilised in day-to-day operations. With support from the ecoEnergyCoach, this spare capacity can be used to balance the energy market.

This creates additional value from infrastructure that is already in place. The farm can continue to focus on its core business while the energy system operates automatically in the background.

The Result

Today, the Fluofeld organic farm has a centralised platform for energy management. Energy flows are traceable, the solar power it generates is used more effectively, and the existing infrastructure is used more efficiently.

At the same time, the system remains open to future expansions, such as additional consumers, more photovoltaic systems, or new applications in the energy sector.