Background

The Austrian federal government is pursuing the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040 and a fully renewable energy supply. As a result, the share of fluctuating energy sources such as sun and wind increases, creating new requirements for energy storage. The buildings sector can make a decisive contribution here: by activating existing thermal storage mass in buildings, for example in the form of heat or cold, generation peaks and demand peaks can be balanced. This eases the burden on energy grids and reduces the need for additional storage systems. Energy flexibility therefore becomes a key aspect in both retrofits of existing buildings and new construction.

Project Objectives

The project aims to develop user-centered systems for enabling energy flexibility in buildings. To this end, a portable measurement and controls kit is being designed that monitors system and comfort parameters and analyzes individual flexibility potential. Based on reinforcement learning, intelligent control strategies are being developed that consider both technical and comfort-related requirements. These strategies are implemented in real buildings and validated in Salzburg University of Applied Sciences test rooms. A particular focus is on involving users through accompanying social science research to capture comfort perception and acceptance.

Results

The project delivers practice-oriented solutions for enabling energy flexibility in existing buildings and new construction. It shows how thermal storage mass can be effectively activated and controlled to contribute to grid stability. The concepts developed enable technical communication of flexibility potential and demand and open up new business models in the field of energy services. By combining technical innovation and social science research, the project creates a holistic approach that establishes energy-flexible buildings as future-ready building blocks of a carbon-neutral city.