SHM-RDY

Aanleiding

In a DEI-supported pilot, ODEN-AI, we created a digital representation of heat networks using both existing and newly acquired data. This was, at that moment, not available. We quickly learned that the data could reach no further than halfway into the network, i.e. from heating source to substation.

During the project, we developed a digital representation of the entire heat network, a hardware bridge to extract data from substations, and several AI models that use historic and external data sources. The result is an intuitive overview of the heat network and AI-driven 'tips' on how to optimize the network's setpoints, namely temperature, pressure, and flow.

The project was a success, reducing the heat losses in the heat network in Geleen by 20 percent. We estimate a humbler 10 percent can be achieved for larger networks. Energy efficiency increased by 5%. CO2 emissions were reduced by 5%. A demonstration project will be started shortly. EU and Dutch legislation will mandate the rollout of Smart Heat Meters (SHMs) from 1 November 2020 onwards for each connection in the EU.

Doelstelling

A validated platform consisting of a digital twin, AI pipeline, sensors, and hosting platform that maps the entire heat network including Smart Heat Meters and optimizes and controls the heat networks by directly steering the heat source and substations parameters.

Korte omschrijving

• Preparation of data pipeline
• Development of hosting platform that can manage and process vast amounts of data and parallel AI computations
• Development of AI pipeline that monitors, controls, and visualizes the entire heat network, from source, via substations, and especially until the end-users and their smart heat meters
• Development of a bridge of sensors in the heat source and substations that is able to extract data and control the essential parameters of the network
• Validation of the solution in a 'living lab' in Friesland.

Resultaat

Heat loss reduction (target is 10%). Energy efficiency gains (target is 2.5%) and CO2 reductions (target is 2.5%) will be measured in the pilot.