Energy-efficient development of the Lichtwiese Campus through intelligent system networking

We are working on a holistic concept for efficient energy supply "post2030" for the Lichtwiese campus. In the interdisciplinary EnEff:Stadt Campus Lichtwiese project, both the electrical energy supply and the heating and cooling requirements of the university are being considered. Comprehensive monitoring of the energy flows on campus forms the basis for a fundamental modernization strategy.

Project description

The Technical University of Darmstadt is striving for a drastic and rapid reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. To this end, measures were theoretically and practically examined and implemented as part of earlier phases of the project EnEff:Stadt Campus Lichtwiese. After individual measures had already been implemented in Phase II and evaluated in terms of their influence on the efficient energy supply of the campus, Phase III will see the realisation of the physical and digital integration of these and further measures into the energy system of the campus.

Through the EnEff:Campus project, TU Darmstadt is implementing the energy transition at the district level by intelligently integrating the energy supply sectors on the university campus.

Dipl.-Ing. Ulrich Mehlstäubl (Gruppenleitung V F - Energiemanagement)

Projects of phase III

Electrical energy cell

Based on the measurement infrastructure installed in phase II, the power supply of the sub-quarter of civil engineering (L5) is being redesigned using a cellular approach. This system should enable the control of generators and loads, taking into account the boundary conditions of the electrical grid. This is an important step in the university's sustainability strategy.

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Renewable heat supply for existing buildings

How can surplus heat and solar heat be integrated into a low-temperature heating network? Among other things, we are investigating minimally invasive structural measures and storage options to make existing buildings compatible with the use of low-temperature heat. Subsequently, simulations will be used to investigate which changes occur in the compatibility of the building with renewable energy sources if a complete renovation of the building is carried out at a later date.

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Active Digital Twin

We are expanding the ‘digital twin’ developed in Phase II into an intelligent and autonomous system that ensures the optimal operation of the campus energy system. Digitalisation not only enables a thorough examination of the campus energy system, but also ensures the optimal use of available resources.

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Internal energy consulting and implementation

The project is being carried out by an interdisciplinary research team from four departments, as well as the Directorate V (Building Management and Services). The direct involvement of Directorate V ensures the long-term use of the project results. The project will thus support the TU Darmstadt on its way to climate neutrality.

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Phases I & II (Jan 2016 – Sep 2023)

Final report of phase II

In the second phase, individual measures were implemented and evaluated. The results are summarised in a final report. Based on comprehensive energy monitoring, a digital twin of the campus was created to enable live suggestions for the optimal operation of the existing energy system or to evaluate investments. Another focus was on the realisation of construction projects or the analysis of grid quality on campus.

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Results of Phase I

The recommendations for action of the first phase of the project are summarized in a brochure. The focus was on the development of renovation strategies for the existing building stock, thermal grids, modeling of the energy supply, potentials of the use of photovoltaics, integration of e-mobility and the impact of the use of heat pumps on the electrical grid.

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Picture: EnEff Campus

The team

In the EnEff:Stadt Campus Lichtwiese project, scientists from the fields of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, architecture and computer science are conducting interdisciplinary research into the energy transition of their campus.

Contacts

News

 
Funding
Supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action
Current energy situation
Current energy situation
Energy-saving tips for TU members
Energy-saving tips for TU members
Research Field Energy and Environment
Research Field Energy and Environment