Development of an Accessible Web Interface for an Energy Co-simulation Platform

Energy communities represent collaborative networks where individuals, local authorities, and organizations collectively produce, manage and share energy resources. To design and manage these communities, a powerful energy co-simulation tool is essential. Such a tool enables the evaluation, integration and optimization of energy in different domains, such as electrical, thermal, within virtual environments. However, current co-simulation applications are predominantly developed as command-line software kits or desktop applications requiring local installation and technical expertise, creating a substantial barrier to a wider community engagement. To address this accessibility gap, we present a web-based energy co-simulation platform. The solution relies on modern web technologies to enable sophisticated co-simulation functionalities through standard web browsers, eliminating the need for local installation and computation power. By implementing Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) principles and an Adaptive User Interface (AUI) framework, the platform can adjust to various use cases, ensuring accessibility for both technical and non-technical stakeholders. The developed application features interactive geographic data visualizations, dynamic control interfaces, and real-time data presentation capabilities, enabling users to effectively monitor and optimize energy flows within their communities. By bridging the gap between sophisticated co-simulation functionalities and real-world user needs, our research advances energy community management through enhanced accessibility. The platform's web-based nature and adaptive user interface enable both technical and non-technical users to effectively participate in energy system optimization, therefore promoting broader community engagement in renewable energy transition.