INTEMA (Forecasting)
SW#2
The REN+HOMES building tool introduces a dynamic layer to address grid flexibility issues and enable multi-energy network grid services. It utilises input data from BIM, which will be developed by designated partners for each demo-site. The INTEMA software will be further developed and integrated into the REN+HOMES platform to perform energy assessments.
Target technical data
Data formats supported (Likert Scale)
4
Ease of usability /interface (Likert Scale)
4.5
Design phase cost savings
20%
Construction/retrofitting cost savings
30%
Maintenance and operation cost savings
30%
Total cost reduction vs typical construction/retrofitting
29%
State of the art and main challenges
Although there are commercial proprietary software solutions that can support building/grid-scale energy simulations and forecasting, scarce are the attempts by the academic community for an open-access solution, supporting time-dependent simulations. INTEMA tool is built on the open-source Modelica language, enabling the user to include any system governing group of equations. It can simulate the synergy among various assets of multiple energy vectors (i.e., electricity, heating, cooling w/o storage) at the utility level, accounting for in detail the associated grid topologies. It can also include house-built optimisation and scheduling algorithms for multi-physics assets (e.g. PVs, BESS, fuel cells, heat batteries), developed in the course of previous projects. INTEMA adopts a Grey-Box approach implementing a hybrid structure combining first principal physics and data driven approaches.
Innovations and added value
The INTEMA building tool by CERTH enhances grid flexibility and multi-energy grid services. Using BIM input and integrating with RENplusHOMES, it aids energy assessment, forecasting power production, and supporting designs. With updatable libraries, it connects with VERIFY, TCQi, DBL, and BDEA tool. It can accurately estimate electrical and heating needs, forecasting thermal behavior by factoring internal/external gains, solar input, human activities, and HVAC use. It considers local energy production (like PV) and storage options (e.g., heat pumps, H2) synergistically.
