HEATCODE: Forbedringer af opvarmningseffektivitet via Termonet Designudvikling

Thermonet grids are community-level heating systems that have great potential towards the decarbonization of the built environment. By leveraging decentralized geothermal heat pumps, such systems offer a significant reduction in electricity consumptions compared to traditional heating methods. However, due to the relative novelty of thermonet, ad-hoc designs without standardization and optimal system integration hinder solution transferability. Consequently, there is a need for new design tools to expedite the scaling of thermonet projects.

The HEATCODE project is dedicated to pioneering a new digitalized design toolchain for thermonet grids using the platform-based design (PBD) approach. Specifically, the project aims to develop a three-platform digitalized toolchain. The platform at the highest level of abstraction exploits Python and GIS data to calculate boundary conditions and system sizing. Modelica-based simulation models are then automatically generated to simulate the operation of the system. Finally, BIM tools and IFC data are exploited to produce ready-to-use files for the installation of the system.

The development of this new automated and digitalized toolkit is expected to mark a transformative leap in the implementation and scalability of thermonet grids. This cutting-edge technology streamlines the complex process of designing and deploying thermonet infrastructures, significantly reducing the time and resources traditionally required.