Result description
The SanFlex Decision Support Tool (SanFlex-DST) is an open-source, web-based digital tool developed within the FLEX4FACT project to support data-driven decision-making in industrial energy management. The tool provides an interactive visualisation of energy flows within industrial processes using Sankey diagrams, allowing users to explore baseline energy consumption and evaluate the impact of process modifications in real time.
SanFlex-DST enables users to model and compare different scenarios, including:
- reduction of energy consumption,
- integration of on-site renewable energy generation,
- deployment of energy storage technologies (battery and hydrogen),
- utilisation of waste heat recovery and thermal storage.
The tool quantifies the impact of these scenarios not only in terms of energy flows but also in cost and CO₂ emissions, thereby linking technical process changes to economic and environmental performance. Designed using Python and open-source libraries, SanFlex-DST is accessible via a web interface and can be adapted to different industrial sectors and use cases with minimal configuration.
Addressing target audiences and expressing needs
- Business partners – SMEs, Entrepreneurs, Large Corporations
- Incubators / Accelerators
- Business plan development
More case studies with good data and some business development support!
- Public or private funding institutions
- Other Actors who can help us fulfil our market potential
- Research and Technology Organisations
R&D, Technology and Innovation aspects
SanFlex-DST has reached a validated toolset stage, demonstrated through multiple industrial-style scenarios and representative case studies.
Further development is foreseen through:
- integration of live or automated data feeds,
- enhanced user data upload and interoperability features,
- sector-specific customisation and benchmarking,
- integration with existing industrial energy management systems.
The tool developed is generic and can be applied to other case studies, industries etc.
We haven’t quite developed the business model but when done it will absolutely be sustainable as more and more industries adapt to acheive climate goals.
