Öko-Opt-Aktiv – Optimized control and operating behavior of thermally activated buildings of future urban quarters

The project Öko-Opt-Aktiv aims to improve the control strategies of the energy systems of entire urban districts. Optimised interaction of the buildings’ energy subsystems, the integration of volatile regenerative energy sources and central storage management aim at the activation of both economic and ecological potentials for improvement.

Currently the energy system of an urban quarter in Graz-Reininghaus is being developed. Based on this development an adaptive, model predictive control strategy for the energy supply of future urban quarters will be investigated. The model predictive control of the energy hub already developed in the preceding project Öko-Opt-Quart will be enhanced with respect to the interaction of the individual buildings`control systems and the energy supply system. The project Öko-Opt-Aktiv aims at the development of a comprehensive, self-learning control concept for the entire district.
The individual buildings in the urban quarter Graz-Reininghaus are heated and cooled via thermally activated components and the energy is provided via a low-temperature local heating and cooling network including a central hot water storage fed by ground water heat pumps. In addition, an urban photovoltaic power plant supplies electrical energy.

The developments and analyses are carried out based on detailed thermo-electric simulation models. Comprehensive tests with respect to unexpected climatic conditions, technical building failures and variable tariffs will be performed in order to test the robustness of the control system and to further develop its practicality.

The aim is to develop an adaptive, model-predictive control system that ensures a resilient and cost effective energy system of a city district with minimized emission impact. This goal will be achieved through optimal management of the central energy storage facilities and the thermally activated buildings.