urban pv+geotherm – Implementation of an energy concept involving photovoltaic, geothermic, heat pump and mass storage in densely populated neighborhoods

The implementation of an energy concept involving photovoltaic, geothermic, heat pump and mass storage in densely populated neighborhoods is a great challenge because of the limited space capacity. Beyond the space problems, the use of geothermal applications for heating and cooling of buildings presents many technical challenges on its own.

Generating electricity at the highest possible percentage with photovoltaic or to use surplus of energy out of the main grid produces an additional optimization parameter which increases the complexity even more.

The project target is the development of concepts to optimize the cost- and energy optimized heating (and where required cooling) using geothermic (with heat pump) and photovoltaic in an urban densely-built-up development area. Special weight is given to storage technologies and building services engineering.

Currently there are 17 development areas in Vienna. A connection to the district heating is not possible in every region, and at the moment renewable energies are given priority as compared to natural gas. Of particular interest – especially in a mid- and long-term view – is the development of concepts for (heating and cooling) supply of development areas with 100 percent “on-site renewable energy” (that means even without district heat or natural gas supply). Geothermal energy in combination with photovoltaic seems to be one of the best options for these areas.

After choice of a site (a new construction area) for which at least a basis for a land development plan is available, a rough analysis of the particular geothermal and geological conditions will be drawn. After setting up various scenarios an optimization via TRNSYS follows. The conditions in Graz, Linz, Salzburg and Innsbruck will also be analyzed by forming own simulations. The findings will be discussed in an advisory committee and published to make the utilization of renewables in urban areas available to as many builders and planers as possible.

With the project findings it will be easier to ecologically and above all economically plan and implement the use of renewable energies especially in urban areas in the future.