🌱 SEEDS project update – News from our partner KU Leuven

“In the ‘De Schipjes’ pilot, renovation works are now near to completion! The collective heating system has been upgraded with additional boreholes, air-source heat pumps, and a switchable hydraulic circuit. The latter was designed in co-creation with Sweco, the decision process being guided by our dynamic simulations.  To support in-depth analysis of the extended borefield’s short- and long-term dynamic behavior, fiber optic cables for distributed temperature sensing of the 125 m deep boreholes were installed in collaboration with CLIMADRILL and FLUVES (see photo). The measurements help us to further characterize the underground, develop and validate our borefield models and thus increase the performance of a model-predictive controller over a broad range of time scales. We’re looking forward to monitoring the system performance during the upcoming heating season.

Drawing on the insights gained in the ‘De Schipjes’ pilot, we’ve (in a co-creation process involving all Belgian SEEDS partners) supported the design of the heating and cooling system for the ‘Stijn Streuvelstraat’ replication site, using dynamic simulations with optimal control. Within this co-creation process, not only the insights but also the uncertainties were shared to evolve together towards a sustainable, robust and cost-effective solution. The tendering process for the selected clean collective hybrid system, combining air- and ground-source heat pumps, PVT panels for borefield regeneration, and passive cooling capabilities, has been completed. Moreover, using our detailed simulation models, we evaluated solar thermal and PVT-based borefield regeneration strategies and the potential of batteries for maximizing the use of on-site generated electricity. Beyond the individual buildings, we have developed an integrated methodology for optimal control and system sizing.”

— KU Leuven

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