Trial / Demo
Digital Twin technology has the potential to reduce operational building emissions by 30% globally. However, recent studies show its integration into retrofitting practices remains stagnant at 13%. While deep renovations significantly reduce energy demand and improve overall energy performance, there is potential to reduce building energy use further.
The ENSNARE project aims to advance the field of building management through the development of Operational Digital Twins, an approach that seeks to reduce energy and carbon on the day-to-day operation of buildings post-renovation.
CIBSE TM63 defines Operational Digital Twins as dynamic building energy simulation models, developed during the building use stage, which reflect the actual building operating conditions but assumes original technical design intents. These models are improved by linking in any actual in-use operational data coming in from the buildings, creating a higher fidelity digital asset. This asset then facilitates advanced operational services to improve energy performance of buildings in operation after a renovation is completed.
These digital twins allow for continuous monitoring and analysis of energy data, and optimization of building systems, enabling facility managers to make informed decisions that enhance energy efficiency and reduce operational costs. The Navigant white paper Creating Zero Carbon Communities: The Role of Digital Twins highlighted the significance of these digital twins’ ability to harness near real-time data from advanced sensor technologies, integrate machine learning for insightful analysis, and use dynamic simulation tools for scenario planning.
In the context of the ENSNARE project, these digital twins are designed, not only to monitor energy performance after the deep renovation of ENSNARE pilots using advanced ENSNARE technologies, but to actively optimize building performance, with the objective to bring the real buildings closer to net-zero energy consumption. The Operational Digital Twin task in the ENSNARE project focuses on overcoming key challenges in post-renovated buildings by developing the following four core elements:
The ENSNARE project advances the concept of an operational digital twin by developing dynamic energy simulation models based on building physics software. By incorporating key optimization elements, displaying them in a user-friendly way and testing active control strategies, these models are designed to enhance the building's operational performance. This approach elevates the digital twin concept, bringing it closer to a true operational digital twin.
Optimizing the operation of building systems, particularly HVAC, is crucial for reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. Traditionally, energy efficiency efforts have focused on design or retrofit stages, but the operational phase of the building lifecycle presents significant potential for further energy and carbon reductions. Historically, building control systems were manual or relied on simple rule-based logic, such as standard thermostats. The development and the spread of IT technologies in recent years are changing this paradigm, and many researchers and companies are improving control strategies to pursue rational energy usage in buildings, with the advancement of digital twins supporting this paradigm shift. Building control optimization involves applying strategies that minimize energy costs, consumption, and carbon emissions while maintaining or enhancing indoor environmental comfort. The complexity of these tasks requires a deep understanding of the building's subsystems, such as energy generation from renewables, energy storage, and demand-side management.
To achieve these goals, the ENSNARE project incorporates several advanced strategies, including:
The integration of advanced strategies like Model Predictive Control (MPC), Demand Side Management (DSM), and Fault Detection and Diagnosis (FDD) significantly enhances existing Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS). These innovations shift the focus from traditional manual or rule-based controls to dynamic, data-driven approaches that optimize energy use, reduce carbon emissions, and improve operational efficiency.
The ENSNARE project applies these concepts across several physical and virtual pilot sites in Europe, each with specific target objectives. In Tartu (Estonia), for example, the primary objective is the optimisation of space heating schedules and setpoints, the algorithm working in coordination with the building management system (BMS) in the building. Similarly, in Sofia (Bulgaria), the aim is to adjust heating setpoints and schedules to minimize energy use within their heating distribution systems directly using long range (LORA) technologies. Each pilot involves the installation of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, BMS systems, and other necessary equipment to gather data, which is then processed by the operational digital twins to suggest optimal operational scenarios.
These efforts not only enhance the operational performance of individual buildings but also contribute to the broader development of the ENSNARE renovation platform. The collected data and the intelligence developed in the project support the project's overall objective, which is to boost the implementation of Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) renovation packages in Europe with the focus on residential buildings. This includes the creation of user-friendly dashboards that provide insights into building performance and actionable recommendations for the building operator.
As the project progresses, these digital twins will continue to evolve, serving as a critical demonstration of the advanced control services and optimization capabilities embedded within the Operational Digital Twins. This evolution is set to push the boundaries and offer a transformative impact on building performance and the deep renovation industry. By driving substantial improvements in sustainability and operational performance, Operational Digital Twins will establish new benchmarks and case studies for intelligent, data-driven building management, significantly advancing the field and contributing to the broader goals of energy conservation and carbon reduction.
This work is being delivered as part of the R&D project, ENSNARE, which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 958445.
For more information on the project, visit the ENSNARE website.
