Smart Urban Energy Concept: Integration of Heat Pumps, PV, Cogeneration, and District Heating in Existing Multi-Family Buildings

An innovative urban energy concept for a German district with five existing multi-family buildings integrates photovoltaics, heat pumps, and cogeneration units in a district heating grid for an energy-efficient and economic heat and electricity supply. Simulation results show the synergies of a smart integration of proven technologies: by means of optimized component dimensioning, a suitable hydraulic design and smart control strategies, the CO2 emissions can be reduced by 52 %. At the same time, the district concept is economically viable showing a positive annual turnover. The energy system will be implemented in 2020, followed by a scientific monitoring and evaluation of the performance. If the monitoring data confirm the promising simulation results, the energy concept can serve as a model for energy-efficient and economic renovation of similar districts.