Living-Lab Tour : Energy4Climate Interdisciplinary Center (E4C)
The interdisciplinary center Energy4Climate (E4C) showcases the energy transition in real-world conditions by transforming the IP Paris campus into a unique living lab. It deploys full-scale technological demonstrators, including solar panel installations, connected gardens, CO₂ capture and utilization systems, electrical and thermal smart grids, as well as shared electric vehicles.
These spaces, which serve as both work and living environments, are carefully monitored over long periods. They act as real-life experiments that foster innovation and fundamental research within E4C’s laboratories.
They provide students and researchers at IP Paris with an exceptional setting for interdisciplinary research and educational projects. On a daily basis, these infrastructures also help promote the adoption of technological solutions supporting the energy transition.
Finally, the living lab functions as an open-air showcase, attracting investors and industry partners who can observe innovations that are scalable and reproducible.
X-NOVATION
The X-Novation Center at École Polytechnique is a smart building demonstrator designed for research and experimentation on the energy transition of commercial buildings under real-world conditions.
It features infrastructure for photovoltaic power generation, energy storage, and consumption management, along with a network of sensors and meters that produce an exceptional flow of long-term data.
Given the significant contribution of buildings to greenhouse gas emissions, the X-Novation Center explores solutions combining energy efficiency, electrification of usage, and intelligent management.
- 53 photovoltaic panels totaling 16.7 kWp
- 30 kWh battery
- 30 electrical measurement points (heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, outlets, water heater, photovoltaic production, battery)
- 1 electric vehicle charging station for shared use
- Continuous measurements since 2016, with data resolution from 1 second to 15 minutes
- Involved laboratories: LMD, CRG, SAMOVAR, GeePs, LVMT, LPICM, LIX.
AGRI PV | SIRTA
In the context of climate change and increasing resource pressures, the AgriPV agrivoltaic demonstrator addresses challenges at the water-energy-food nexus.
This experimental plot allows the study of shared solar resources for both electricity generation and agriculture (alfalfa cultivation). Sensors monitor weather conditions, soil moisture and temperature, sunlight, energy production, and agronomic performance.
The demonstrator brings together expertise in engineering, agronomy, climatology, and energy sciences.
- 450 m² experimental plot and 250 m² control plot
- Over 80 sensors distributed across the soil, air, and photovoltaic structures
- An interdisciplinary approach: solar radiation, monitoring and optimization, regional climate modeling, life cycle analyses, and more
- Involved laboratories: LMD, GeePs, URP3F, CEREA, OIE, LSCE.