We are pleased to invite you to the OpenEMS Hackathon Q1/2026 at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Karlsruhe.

Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 10:00 AM – Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 12:00 PM

Location: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Campus North – Energy Lab, Research Center 687, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany

Topics:

The following topics are currently planned:

• OpenEMS for Beginners:
  Are you a developer but still new to OpenEMS? OpenEMS experts will support you in getting started.

• Forecasting:
  Forecasts form the basis for all future-oriented optimizations. If you are interested in an overview of forecasting and how custom forecasts can be integrated, this is the right place for you. Currently, OpenEMS mainly uses PV and time-of-use tariff forecasts. These forecasts are to be extended to support timestamps and forecasts with an unlimited forecast horizon. In addition, potential APIs for further forecast data sources (web APIs, Python servers) will be discussed to enable easy integration of complex forecasts.

• Optimization 1 – MILP:
  Are you interested in optimization and how it can be implemented? Mixed-Integer Linear Programming may sound highly mathematical, but it will be explained and implemented in a hands-on manner. This widely used approach for integrating forecasts into energy optimization offers the advantages of fast computation and optimal results. The group will implement a MILP-based optimization and discuss a generalized implementation.

• Optimization 2 – Energy Scheduler:
  A custom optimizer developed specifically for OpenEMS, which overcomes the limitations of linear system models. Have you always been interested in the “Energy Scheduler” but have not yet been able to implement it? In this group, the scheduler will be explained, an example optimization will be implemented, and possible extensions will be discussed.

• TOPIC X:
  Your own topic that you would like to discuss with others. Suggestions are very welcome—whether spontaneously during the hackathon, in the OpenEMS Community, or directly via Alexander Stein (see contact below). Together, we will look for collaborators for your topic.

Organization:

Food and drinks will be provided. The venue is the  EnergyLab at KIT. Access is possible after prior registration by car, public transport, or on foot (approximately 20 minutes walking distance from the Campus North gate). As a former nuclear research center, KIT Campus North is not particularly well connected to public transport. Detailed information on travel and accommodation options will be provided in the confirmation email.

Registration deadline: March 5, 2026