'This project helped me build knowledge that I can apply in practice'

For his graduation project in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Navod Yatawara worked on the design of the Heat House: a living lab where different energy systems are integrated, monitored, and tested.

'A living lab is an environment where different energy systems come together. Think of solar panels, batteries, and heat pumps. These systems are connected so they can be configured, controlled, and tested using different strategies.' Navod was responsible for designing the complete electrical infrastructure of the living lab. 'I designed the entire electrical system, including the control cabinet where all the installations come together.' 

Although the living lab is still in the design phase, his work will soon be put into practice. 'The design has now been completed. In the coming months, the living lab will be built, after which students will be able to use it.' Looking back, Navod is most proud of completing the project ahead of schedule. 'It was planned as a six-month project, but I completed it in four months.'

Challenges

Throughout the project, he encountered several challenges. 'It was a large project involving many different departments. Because of that, not everything went according to plan. Sometimes things had to be reorganised or decisions took longer than expected.' To deal with these challenges, Navod learned to plan and think of alternatives. 'I stayed in close communication with my supervisors from Hanze and the company. I also made sure I always had a plan B or even a plan C whenever something didn't go as expected.'

The project contributed not only to his technical expertise but also to his personal development. 'There were areas of Electrical Engineering that I had little experience with before. Through this project, I built that knowledge from the ground up and learned how to apply it in practice. I also developed my communication skills by working with different stakeholders throughout the project.' 

After graduation, Navod is taking some time to decide on his next step. 'I'm still figuring out what suits me best. Whether I want to start working right away, pursue a master's degree, or take some time before making that decision.'