Applicability of variably controlled thermal plants (Thermi-Var)

The energy landscape is changing, which means that electrical consumption in buildings will also have to be controlled more flexibly.

Electrical energy from renewable sources can be stored in batteries, but electrically driven thermal systems such as heat pumps or electric boilers can also be controlled flexibly.

That is, they can be deployed depending on how much electrical energy is available at different times. How best to do that in buildings we are investigating within this project.

Goal 

Some specific objectives within this project:

• To lower the barriers to applying & offering flexible steering.
  • By providing an overview of techniques and possibilities.
  • By offering guidelines and tools for implementing electrically driven thermal plants with flexibility in mind.
  • By demonstrating possibilities with case studies with companies and extensive simulations to get a broader picture of the potential.
• To evaluate the potential for flexibility using dynamic simulations. More specifically the ability of a building, with its technical installation, to adapt the supply and demand of energy (electricity, heat) to the variable availability on the distribution network. This in function of building and system parameters, while taking into account energy efficiency and delivered comfort.
• Estimate the economic benefit to the user when they deploy flexible thermal installations.
• Increase knowledge among the broad target group. We do this by communicating widely and providing didactic material. We use this material in workshops, training sessions and network moments where the broad target group can come together.

We also want to reduce the need for peak capacity on the grid and increase the applicability of renewable energy. We do this by having the thermal installation respond more intelligently to the supply from renewable energy, without having to compromise too much on energy efficiency and comfort in buildings.

Target group

We want to increase the knowledge of flexible control of electrically driven thermal installations and provide practical guidance in the choice and design of the installation with a view to flexibility.

We do this with a view to:

• Installers plumbing/central heating and electro/domotics
• Suppliers of flexible control systems
• Manufacturers of electrically driven thermal systems
• Designers and users of those systems