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Optimizing the Management of Thermal Energy Systems

Due to the sudden increase in prices of energy sources that we witness daily, many European countries are implementing measures to reduce their energy dependence as well as harmful gas emissions.

Since it is still not possible to meet the energy needs of all buildings from renewable sources, it is crucial to manage existing sources adequately to reduce the level of energy consumption.

To achieve optimal building consumption, an integrated approach from all participants in the design process is necessary, starting from the conceptual design all the way to the detailed design and performance control. There are no universal solutions. Each building needs to be examined in detail, and its energy needs should be determined as precisely as possible.

Alfa Therm has been buildings its business on top-notch thermal energy solutions for years and is continuously improving through the increasing application of digitalization. One such example will be presented below, where we will explain the mode of operation and advantages of adequate management of consumers and energy sources in a recently completed project in Šibenik.

As part of the mechanical installations project that we designed and executed at the Veterans’ Centre in Šibenik, an automatic control system was implemented to oversee and manage the heating/cooling systems, ventilation, and the preparation of hot greywater.

To optimize the operation of the heating and cooling systems, particularly regarding the heat pumps that serve as energy sources, a model for utilizing the sources based on consumer demand was implemented within the automatic control system.

Unlike conventional management of heating and cooling sources based on outdoor temperature or a time schedule, this model ensures the delivery of exactly the amount of energy that consumers require.

Each consumer connected to the same source generates a request for heating or cooling and specifies the desired temperature of the heating medium. All requests are processed in the DDC BACnet controller, which manages the system and sends the request to the energy source. Based on this request, the energy source prepares the heating or cooling medium to the required temperature.

Advantages of using the described model:

–        Reduction of thermal losses in the distribution network, as pumps do not operate when there is no demand for energy

–        Reduction of thermal losses on the side of the energy source

–        Savings on energy resources and reduced electricity consumption.

Requirements for model implementation:

–        Communication controllers on the side of energy source and consumer

–        Advanced software within the controllers that enables the exchange and processing of information

–        An energy source that has the capability to manage the set temperature of the medium.

In a time characterized by significant increases in energy prices, it is crucial to appropriately manage systems that are large energy consumers. By using such a model, energy-efficient utilization is ensured without compromising user comfort.

By digitalizing existing heating/cooling and ventilation systems and utilizing automatic control systems, which enable the implementation of such a model, the energy properties of buildings are enhanced, and their carbon footprint is reduced.

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