Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - HEART (Holistic Energy and Architectural Retrofit Toolkit)

Teaser

In order to achieve the nZEB standards, HEART addresses a deep renovation of outdated multi-storey residential buildings, which are typically characterized by very low energy performance levels. To implement the enormous potential in energy reduction of buildings, the...

Summary

In order to achieve the nZEB standards, HEART addresses a deep renovation of outdated multi-storey residential buildings, which are typically characterized by very low energy performance levels. To implement the enormous potential in energy reduction of buildings, the project’s geographical focus is the Central and Southern Europe, where the moderate climate affects the heating demand, but also the overheating and cooling issues. The project’s application target is thus represented by multi-storey residential buildings of the second half of the \'900 located in the European areas with moderate climate.
HEART’s objectives may be summarized as follows:
• To develop systemic and cost-optimal solutions for energy retrofit: the main objective of the project is to develop a holistic and multifunctional toolkit based on the synergistic interaction between building technologies and technical systems. The solution will decrease installation time by at least 30% compared with normal construction practices and to ensure pay back periods lower than 15 years;
• To develop, update and adapt innovative technologies for their systemic integration: HEART toolkit will systemically integrate different types of subcomponents-envelope technologies, technical systems, renewable energy sources and building energy management systems-offering high levels of performance and communicating with each other;
• To foster building’s smart upgrade: The developed solutions will enable to convert existing buildings into Smart Buildings;
• To support and improve the decision-making process: by means of an iterative simulation of various feasible solutions, HEART selects and sizes the most effective one, providing a detailed prediction of the achievable cost-performance-benefit ratio;
• To promote energy efficient financing: HEART reduces energy consumption, optimizes overall performance through a continuous monitoring and makes a building’s operating transparent. This aspect translates into an effective conduct of a retrofit intervention and a constant documentation of its performance.
In conclusion, HEART anticipates the energy legislation, and assumes a significant social dimension transforming consumers into promoters of wise energy use and rising awareness towards energy and environmental related matters. Moreover, the development of systemic solutions that integrate aspects typically treated within different sectors, greatly facilitates the advent of a new generation of multidisciplinary SME contractors or business networks.

Work performed

Since the start of the project, the scientific activities have been monitored continuously regarding the progress of the project. Several management tools were developed for a smooth running of the activities. Four consortium meetings (including kick-off meeting) have been successfully organized.
Regarding the development of HEART Toolkit, as a first step, datasheets of the basic toolkit products were collected and then technical specifications of each component are updated, and an-online tool was developed to ease the control of the optimization phase (on-line synoptic chart). Information on life cycle inventory models (LCA/LCC) is also being collected among the partners.
An integrated data analysis workflow was prepared for DSS/BEMS platform. Simulations activities needed to build the Virtual Building Performance Model are ongoing according to the plan. The main DSS and BEMS logics were defined.
The first manufacturing design of each HEART component (DC heat pump, thermal storage, smart fan-coil, MIMO converter, façade panels, PV tiles, IoT devices and components for windows retrofit) was successfully completed at the end of February 2019.
A detailed assessment of the Italian case study is completed (laser scanning surveys, energy simulation activities, 3D BIM model creation) and the first design of the renovation intervention of the Italian demo site was also accomplished. Information collection on the French case study is almost completed. The monitoring phase of the Italian case study was regularly started and is currently ongoing.
At present, testing activities are being carried out for all hardware components. Regarding business models definition, several direct interviews have been conducted to investigate the current state of the art of energy efficiency in buildings, related barriers, market and future potential of smart systems in renovation and new constructions. The business models related to HEART proposal are being analysed.
With regards to communication and dissemination activities, the project Website was launched and regularly updated, the visual identity (format for presentation, report, etc.) was finalized, the stakeholder analysis was completed and several dissemination activities were organized by partners. 1st Knowledge Transfer Conference was successfully organized.
Ethics requirements was prepared and Issues related to data protection were analyzed with Institutional Data Protection Officer (POLIMI and EURAC).

Final results

HEART introduces a technological advancement beyond the current state-of-the-art, by proposing not only the development of innovative products but also system innovation. In detail, it consists in the integration of different retrofit components and tools in a single holistic solution specifically designed to address all the challenges involved in the energy retrofit process. All its elements (building envelope solutions, HVAC systems and ICT) optimize mutual synergies and ease their installation/interaction. This approach limits unnecessary components, maximizes overall energy efficiency, ensures affordability and improves users’ comfort, thereby improving the sustainability of the building. The toolkit allows to support the retrofit process starting from its early stages, through the presence of a cloud-based DSS and BEMS which optimizes interventions and building management. HEART allows an effective dialogue between its components and devices via Narrowband IoT - a step forward compared to the commercial standards for technical systems communication. HEART’s user interface is easy to use and allows to fully interact both with the single aspects of home energy management and to have a learning from experience, evolutionary vision on the system as a whole.
HEART’s impact focuses on the achievement of a more competitive, secure and sustainable energy system, granting the greenhouse gas reduction in a long-term perspective. In such respect the application of HEART toolkit ensures up to 80-90% energy saving on heating, cooling and DHW preparation, with a payback time period lower than 15 years, by boosting the application of sustainable and cost-efficient solutions.
The system provides, hence, a strong signal to the energy market, encouraging investments in low carbon technologies, energy production from renewable energy and energy efficiency improvement. The development of systemic solutions that integrate aspects typically treated within different sectors, in fact, greatly facilitates the advent of a new generation of multidisciplinary SME contractors and business networks. In addition, the deployment of renewable energy systems, combined with energy retrofit interventions, has the potential to create a large number of new jobs throughout the entire value chain.
Finally, the innovative business models developed within HEART strengthen the conditions (social and financial) for the achievement of the goal.

Website & more info

More info: http://www.heartproject.eu.