'SmartPower': easier calculation of heating and cooling demand
Today, heating installations are frequently overdimensioned, with cooling overlooked, so that passive cooling techniques are not taken into account. With the 'SmartPower' project we want to respond to the growing need for dynamic dimensioning for heating and cooling, and provide installers with simple calculation methods.
The innovative part of this process is that we do not only look at peak demand. We factor in various heat gains, the heat storage capacity of building or installation components and the dynamics of their interaction. To fit installations for a future energy environment and make maximum use of renewable energy, it is important to factor in fluctuations in supply and demand. For this, we need to know the dynamic demand profiles, in order to gain insight into ways of balancing supply and demand on a permanent basis. The installation can then offer flexibility to the grid, which will ultimately also have a positive impact on the global energy costs.
Dynamic dimensioning for heating and cooling ensures optimal integration into future energy concepts.
In 2021 we completed the first biennial 'SmartPower I’ project. This project confirmed our suspicion of oversizing in practice and gave us insight into a number of possible improvements in the calculations. For example, we have to take into account the fact that the highest demand does not occur simultaneously in every room, along with variable wind and ventilation flow rates.
Looking to the future, we identified missing elements, such as dynamic effects and a statistically balanced approach. In this way, with 'SmartPower II' we can continue to develop an accessible calculation method.