Several critical topics took centre stage in a dynamic session moderated by Alicia Kalms (CENER) dedicated to technical systems.
Revolutionising Heat Pump Solutions in Genk for PEN:
Presenters from oPEN Lab consortium partners DAIKIN and LITO delved into the current trends and challenges in the oPEN Living Lab in Genk. They tackled issues of efficiency and proposed innovative solutions for a unified type of housing. The team highlighted a remarkable difference in COP, emphasising the trend towards a compatible controller that improves the use of excess energy utilisation during the day to mitigate night-time energy consumption.
Optimising Heat Pump Control in Pamplona with Thermal Storage:
Colleagues from UPV/EHU presented research advocating for the use of Design Builder software to assess the potential of an HVACR system in the IWER building, Pamplona. Their work centred on leveraging an existing cistern as a Thermal Energy Storage (TES) solution, emphasising the significance of control strategies that incorporate predictions of electrical demand for maximum economic benefit.
Addressing Electrical Storage Challenges in Tartu for PEN:
The EESTI team delved into the complexities surrounding electrical storage at both building and district levels. The presentation covered a range of pertinent topics, including the challenges posed by PV systems, battery solutions, and in-depth hardware and software overviews. The audience showed immense interest in containerised battery systems and explored the economic implications and opportunities of grid electricity market integration through Estonian expertise.
Ventilation Solutions for Tartu:
Consortium partner TALTECH scrutinised the mandatory ventilation needs and the related potential renovation solutions in oPEN Living LabTartu. Centralised solutions faced spatial constraints, prompting analysis of duct placements above roofs or within insulations. The session also highlighted the challenges of high electricity consumption and thermal comfort in HP installations. The need for thorough energy performance calculations to determine optimal ventilation solutions was underlined, with discussions on fire prevention rules sparking a comparative dialogue between Estonia and Belgium.
