‘Double award’ for energy efficiency

Izmir University of Economics (IUE) received a double award at the ‘Innovative Idea Development Workshop in the Electricity Distribution Sector’ organized with the cooperation of Izmir Development Agency (IZKA), GDZ Elektrik and Genç İşi Kooperatif. Emrecan Durmaz and Selin Baysak, students of IUE Sustainable Energy Master's Program, marked the event with their projects and ideas based on increasing energy efficiency and received awards.

Durmaz, who studies at Izmir University of Economics Sustainable Energy Master's Program, Turkey's first graduate program in the field of sustainable energy, developed a software that will determine and control the energy needs in charging stations prepared for electric vehicles. Durmaz was awarded the second prize in the ‘acceleration’ category with his project that will work with the help of artificial intelligence and meet an important need. Baysak, who competed in the ‘Incubation’ category, came up with the idea of ​​a mobile application that will allow citizens to monitor electricity use in households. Baysak managed to reach the award with this idea, which will be helpful for citizens and prevent unnecessary energy consumption.

IT WILL FACILITATE A LOT

Giving information about his software project, Durmaz said, “Electric car charging stations typically get their power from grid electricity. Considering that the number of electric vehicles will increase in the coming period, there are some things that need to be done in order to meet all the electricity needs of the stations at the same time. The software I prepared will optimize this entire system. The software, which will work with the help of artificial intelligence, will analyze the average amount of energy consumed at which station, and determine the seasonal needs. It will also be able to plan what the energy distribution in the stations should be. In this way, it will facilitate the work of the electricity distribution company.”

EMPHASIS ON ‘SUSTAINABLE FUTURE’

Stating that they aim to raise awareness about energy saving and sustainability, Selin Baysak said, “The mobile application I developed, with a data-driven approach, provides users with the opportunity to visualize their energy usage habits, helping them discover their savings potential and reducing their energy bills. In addition, the application offers advice to users on energy efficiency and encourages the adoption of energy-saving habits. I don't see this app just as a tool to lower bills. At the same time, it aims to contribute to a sustainable future and to create a transformation in society in terms of energy consumption. For example, you also see your consumption as a carbon footprint. I believe that as the impact of the application on users increases, so will social awareness on energy efficiency.”