As a result of the two related research projects AMSEL and Telewerk, an experimental platform was built in the small town of Mittweida that will become a networked microsettlement together with the existing WERKBANK32 building. Together, Hochschule Mittweida, TeleskopEffekt GmbH, Volksbank Mittweida and Fraunhofer IVI carry out joint research into how modern living and working in rural areas can be realized while at the same time promoting the region.
The integrated, shared and networked settlement storage system offers a demands-based and self-sufficient heat and power supply infrastrucure. A central building equipped with home technology increases supply reliability. An intelligent control system is responsible for distributing energy in a needs-based way through usage-dependent load balancing between the networked buildings. Through the establishment of this pioneering, largely self-sufficient settlement supplied with regenerative main utilities, the revitalization of rural settlement areas will be supported in the long-term. As a result, more conscious ways of thinking and living will be fostered and dedicated technological solutions will be developed that in turn will increase the attractiveness of living and working in the countryside.