Intelligent Energy Management for Multimodal Energy Systems: Integrating Heat and Electricity

In this project, an intelligent energy management (EM) system will be developed for multimodal building energy systems with a high share of renewable energy sources. In light of rising energy prices and novel technologies such as energy storage units, electric vehicles, and heat pumps, it is becoming increasingly attractive to combine local electrical and thermal generation and consumption. In this context, EM systems enable the efficient and safe operation of thermo-electrical systems by coordinating generation, consumption, and storage.

The planned EM system addresses several key challenges: First, it enables the automatic identification of system parameters during operation, significantly reducing manual commissioning effort. At the same time, this approach allows for continuous refinement of system models and the consideration of aging effects. In addition, the EM system accounts for uncertainties in renewable generation and consumption by employing stochastic optimization methods. This ensures stable and efficient operation in the presence of fluctuating generation and varying loads. A probabilistic monitoring system will also be developed to estimate non-measurable system variables and detect faults based on available sensor data. This enables dynamic reconfiguration of the EM system to ensure safe operation in presence of faults.

The project's contributions include not only the development of a modular EM system, but also extensive testing through simulation, digital twin environments, and a real-world test at the Therme Bad Wörishofen. The Therme Bad Wörishofen offers an ideal environment with a complex system topology to validate the EM system under realistic conditions and ensure rapid transferability to other applications. Beyond the building sector, the technology is expected to benefit power grids, energy districts, and industrial systems.