Building on the diverse projects carried out in our research group, systemik provides engineering and consulting services organised into three main categories:
Construction of action plan portfolios for the defossilisation of multi-energy systems, at different scales;
Numerical and experimental thermodynamics applied to technologies enabling the energy transition;
Tailored training and guidance on the energy transition.
Detailed information on these three areas of activity is provided below.
1. Studies for the defossilisation of energy systems
Our team has developed strong expertise in the modelling, design and optimisation of multi-energy systems under-techno economic uncertainties. The EnergyScope and RHEIA projects are two strong showcases of this expertise.
The modelling, design and optimisation of multi-energy systems at different scales:
Micro-scale: buildings, processes, …
Meso-scale: districts, industrial sites, …
Macro-scale: regions, countries, continents, …
The creation of transition scenarios and the cross-cutting management of uncertainties related to technical, economic and environmental parameters.
(Prospective) Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) to provide a global quantitative view of environmental impact, going beyond the sole consideration of the carbon footprint.
You can find some of our publications on:
Micro-scale systems – e-methane production, domestic energy systems and Carnot batteries in data centres;
Macro-scale systems – EnergyScope TD and EnergyScope Pathway.
We propose working in two phases:
Diagnostic – where different performance indicators can be considered, depending on the desired level of detail for the study. These cover energy (1E), economic (2E) and environmental (3E) aspects. By addressing uncertainties with advanced quantification techniques, we enhance the reliability of the results.
Action plan portfolio – built using the Modelling to Generate Alternatives (MGA) method, favouring different decarbonisation strategies and technologies. This approach offers a range of alternative transition pathways with equivalent performance.
This methodology constitutes our working matrix. Yet, we always adapt and tailor our approach to the specific study needs!
Before focusing on the energy transition from a more systemik perspective, our team – part of the Thermodynamics and Fluid mechanics Laboratory at UCLouvain – first developed expertise in energy conversion machines. Both experimentally and numerically, we have built strong knowledge around technologies such as internal combustion engines using renewable fuels and biomass gasification.
In recent years, we have also expanded our research activities to include other technologies essential to the energy transition, such as:
High-temperature heat pumps: vapour compression and reverse Brayton cycles;
Power cycles: organic Rankine cycle and advanced micro gas turbine cycles;
Energy storage: thermal storage with phase-change materials, Carnot batteries based on Brayton and Rankine cycles, and metal fuels;
Combined heat and power: HCCI engines with biogas, micro gas turbines, and Stirling engines;
Renewable fuel synthesis: syngas, hydrogen, ammonia, and e-methane;
CO2 capture: post-combustion and direct air carbon capture (using liquid or solid sorbents).
Building on this experience, we offer services in the modelling, design, and optimisation of thermodynamic systems and thermal machines. Thanks to our team of skilled technicians, all experienced in research environments, we can also develop tailor-made experimental projects, from design and prototyping through to commissioning and characterisation.
As a university, teaching is an integral part of our mission! We therefore offer tailor-made training and guidance in the following areas:
Tailored training on the energy transition;
Guidance on open-access models and tools;
Assistance with projects framing and development;
State-of-the-art overviews;
Briefings on key transition technologies;
Critical reviews of reports;
… or any other request within our field of expertise!