Greenvive Integrated Cooling Solution
Basic information
Project Title
Greenvive Integrated Cooling Solution
Full project title
Greenvive: A PCM based thermal energy storage integrated cooling system for Urban communities
Category
Prioritising the places and people that need it the most
Project Description
Heatwaves are scorching Earth's surface and there is an alarming need to cool down the cities. Our integrated solution provides efficient cooling that also covers peak demands and predicts the future cooling demand for urban environment using machine learning techniques. We integrate a chilling unit with a state-of-the-art PCM-based thermal energy storage into a local district cooling network. Basically, we are a futuristic integrated cooling system aiming to cool communities efficiently.
Geographical Scope
Local
Project Region
Barcelona, Spain
Urban or rural issues
Mainly urban
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
The project aims to tackle the category of prioritizing people and places that need cooling the most and the solution does not remain limited to only that region/country. Our project cuts across thermal energy, control systems and digitalization sectors and integrates the individual principles of these subsectors to a common underlying principle of providing efficient and effective cooling to communities that need it the most. The temperatures in southern Europe cross upper limits during summers and the heat waves intensify the same which is together known to be as 'The Urban Heat Island Effect'. The same region is our primary action target group, and we aim to reduce the negative effects of heatwaves on society in an urban context specifically. We strongly align the values of sustainability by working on climate goals and by indirectly reducing the electric grid loads during peak hours by using our innovative PCM-based thermal storage system and we help facilitate societal transformation keeping inclusion in mind by securing people's access to efficient cooling and making it more economical as well. We aim to build a solution that fits in with the status quo district network and hence minimal changes would be visible to an open eye; same would be in the form of a thermal storage and a perfectly sized chilling unit based on requirement.
To summarize, we can divide our whole solution into a physical & a digital system. The physical system infrastructure integrates a Phase Change Material (PCM) based Thermal energy storage (TES), a chilling unit (Chiller/Heat Pump) and the existing district cooling network on the supply side. On the demand side, we have smart meters measuring the consumption from districts/communities. The digital system includes an internal software running machine-learning algorithms to disaggregate the cooling load data, cloud storage and a web-based UI tool as a customer dashboard. These two systems communicate to deliver optimal cooling.
To summarize, we can divide our whole solution into a physical & a digital system. The physical system infrastructure integrates a Phase Change Material (PCM) based Thermal energy storage (TES), a chilling unit (Chiller/Heat Pump) and the existing district cooling network on the supply side. On the demand side, we have smart meters measuring the consumption from districts/communities. The digital system includes an internal software running machine-learning algorithms to disaggregate the cooling load data, cloud storage and a web-based UI tool as a customer dashboard. These two systems communicate to deliver optimal cooling.
Key objectives for sustainability
The project aims to satisfy a list of primary objectives as follows -
1. To solve the cooling needs of people regardless of their level in society.
2. To combat heatwaves and hence climate change
3. To create an efficient, integrated and effective cooling system to meet needs of different communities across the world.
4. To forecast cooling demand and be prepared for the worst case scenarios.
5. To manage peak cooling demands by sharing cooling load with a TES system.
6. To manage expanding district cooling (DC) networks in European cities and to facilitate new DC projects with our system.
7. To work for city councils/municipalities (our primary customers) across Europe to implement this innovative idea, to create profit for them socially, economically and sustainably and to provide controllability & flexibility of operation of DC systems.
8. Finally, to provide all-time available cooling for the end-users or city dwellings' inhabitants.
The project can help satisfy the above objectives and become exemplary in following ways -
The system is inherently customer-centric and sustainable because it places the core purpose of providing cooling at the focal point of action. The system involves both physical and digital components creating a blend of systemic approaches to be applied when designing the system. It also reduces load on the central chilling system and thus couples a storage technology with electric systems such as central chilling unit and backup chiller/heat pump unit.
1. To solve the cooling needs of people regardless of their level in society.
2. To combat heatwaves and hence climate change
3. To create an efficient, integrated and effective cooling system to meet needs of different communities across the world.
4. To forecast cooling demand and be prepared for the worst case scenarios.
5. To manage peak cooling demands by sharing cooling load with a TES system.
6. To manage expanding district cooling (DC) networks in European cities and to facilitate new DC projects with our system.
7. To work for city councils/municipalities (our primary customers) across Europe to implement this innovative idea, to create profit for them socially, economically and sustainably and to provide controllability & flexibility of operation of DC systems.
8. Finally, to provide all-time available cooling for the end-users or city dwellings' inhabitants.
The project can help satisfy the above objectives and become exemplary in following ways -
The system is inherently customer-centric and sustainable because it places the core purpose of providing cooling at the focal point of action. The system involves both physical and digital components creating a blend of systemic approaches to be applied when designing the system. It also reduces load on the central chilling system and thus couples a storage technology with electric systems such as central chilling unit and backup chiller/heat pump unit.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
User-Centric Design:
Objective: Develop a PCM-based thermal energy storage and chiller unit that seamlessly integrates into the urban landscape, considering architectural aesthetics and community preferences.
Approach: Collaborate with urban designers and architects to create a visually appealing infrastructure that enhances the overall cityscape, promoting a sense of pride and identity among residents.
Cultural Integration:
Objective: Incorporate cultural elements in the design and functionality of the cooling system to reflect and respect the local culture and traditions.
Approach: Engage with local communities through workshops and surveys to understand cultural preferences. Implement design features and system functionalities that align with cultural values, fostering a positive cultural identity.
Community Engagement:
Objective: Foster a sense of ownership and awareness among community members regarding the cooling system and its benefits.
Approach: Establish community outreach programs, educational campaigns, and interactive platforms to involve residents in the project. Encourage feedback and incorporate community suggestions into the project design and implementation.
Enhanced Quality of Life:
Objective: Improve the overall quality of life for residents by providing reliable and efficient cooling services.
Approach: Conduct usability studies and gather feedback to optimize the cooling system's performance, ensuring it meets the specific needs of diverse community members. Prioritize user comfort and well-being in system design and operation.
Inclusivity and Accessibility:
Objective: Ensure that the cooling system is accessible to all members of the community, including vulnerable or marginalized groups.
Approach: Design the system with inclusivity in mind, considering factors such as affordability, accessibility, and ease of use. Collaborate with local authorities and NGOs to address the specific needs of vulnerable populations.
Objective: Develop a PCM-based thermal energy storage and chiller unit that seamlessly integrates into the urban landscape, considering architectural aesthetics and community preferences.
Approach: Collaborate with urban designers and architects to create a visually appealing infrastructure that enhances the overall cityscape, promoting a sense of pride and identity among residents.
Cultural Integration:
Objective: Incorporate cultural elements in the design and functionality of the cooling system to reflect and respect the local culture and traditions.
Approach: Engage with local communities through workshops and surveys to understand cultural preferences. Implement design features and system functionalities that align with cultural values, fostering a positive cultural identity.
Community Engagement:
Objective: Foster a sense of ownership and awareness among community members regarding the cooling system and its benefits.
Approach: Establish community outreach programs, educational campaigns, and interactive platforms to involve residents in the project. Encourage feedback and incorporate community suggestions into the project design and implementation.
Enhanced Quality of Life:
Objective: Improve the overall quality of life for residents by providing reliable and efficient cooling services.
Approach: Conduct usability studies and gather feedback to optimize the cooling system's performance, ensuring it meets the specific needs of diverse community members. Prioritize user comfort and well-being in system design and operation.
Inclusivity and Accessibility:
Objective: Ensure that the cooling system is accessible to all members of the community, including vulnerable or marginalized groups.
Approach: Design the system with inclusivity in mind, considering factors such as affordability, accessibility, and ease of use. Collaborate with local authorities and NGOs to address the specific needs of vulnerable populations.
Key objectives for inclusion
Accessibility and Affordability:
Objective: Ensure that the benefits of the cooling system are accessible to all socioeconomic groups by designing pricing models that consider affordability.
Approach: Implement tiered pricing structures, subsidies, or community-based financing models to make the cooling services financially accessible to a broad range of residents.
Universal Design Principles:
Objective: Incorporate universal design principles to create a cooling system that is usable by people of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds.
Approach: Collaborate with accessibility experts and user experience designers to ensure that the cooling infrastructure, control interfaces, and information systems adhere to universal design standards, promoting inclusivity.
Community Engagement in Decision-Making:
Objective: Establish inclusive governing systems by involving the community in decision-making processes related to the project.
Approach: Implement participatory workshops, community forums, and feedback mechanisms to gather input from diverse stakeholders. Develop governance structures that include community representatives in decision-making bodies.
Diversity and Cultural Sensitivity:
Objective: Design the cooling system to accommodate diverse cultural practices and preferences.
Approach: Conduct cultural impact assessments to understand the needs and preferences of different communities. Incorporate customizable features in the cooling system to adapt to cultural variations, ensuring broad acceptance and usability.
Data Privacy and Security:
Objective: Safeguard the privacy and security of smart meter data, ensuring that the collection and use of information are transparent, and consent driven.
Approach: Implement robust data encryption, adopt privacy-by-design principles, and establish clear data usage policies. Conduct community awareness campaigns to educate residents about data privacy and empower them to control their data.
Objective: Ensure that the benefits of the cooling system are accessible to all socioeconomic groups by designing pricing models that consider affordability.
Approach: Implement tiered pricing structures, subsidies, or community-based financing models to make the cooling services financially accessible to a broad range of residents.
Universal Design Principles:
Objective: Incorporate universal design principles to create a cooling system that is usable by people of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds.
Approach: Collaborate with accessibility experts and user experience designers to ensure that the cooling infrastructure, control interfaces, and information systems adhere to universal design standards, promoting inclusivity.
Community Engagement in Decision-Making:
Objective: Establish inclusive governing systems by involving the community in decision-making processes related to the project.
Approach: Implement participatory workshops, community forums, and feedback mechanisms to gather input from diverse stakeholders. Develop governance structures that include community representatives in decision-making bodies.
Diversity and Cultural Sensitivity:
Objective: Design the cooling system to accommodate diverse cultural practices and preferences.
Approach: Conduct cultural impact assessments to understand the needs and preferences of different communities. Incorporate customizable features in the cooling system to adapt to cultural variations, ensuring broad acceptance and usability.
Data Privacy and Security:
Objective: Safeguard the privacy and security of smart meter data, ensuring that the collection and use of information are transparent, and consent driven.
Approach: Implement robust data encryption, adopt privacy-by-design principles, and establish clear data usage policies. Conduct community awareness campaigns to educate residents about data privacy and empower them to control their data.
How Citizens benefit
Alone in 2022 60.000 people due to heat waves. The economic damage due to heat waves is quantified with 0.6% of GDP loss per year in Europe, Asia, and America. Therefore, the reliability of cooling systems has a direct impact on civil society. This is a big issue in cities like Paris, Barcelona or even Copenhagen. Yes, the individual cooling system provides sufficient cold. However, they are inefficient and put the electrical grids during hot summer days under significant strain. Therefore, the cities invested and plan to invest three digit million euros into district cooling (DC) grids. However, the district cooling grids are powered by heat pumps which still consume electricity. Therefore, they still consume electricity when it is priced high over the day. Implementing our PCM-CTES solution allows to load shift the electricity demand of the heat pumps, by charging the storage at night, when the prices are low. This allows safe and continuous operation of the system itself, also during peak days of summer heat. Enhancing the performance of our CTES (Cold Thermal Energy Storage) system, the prediction of the cooling load will improve the operation significantly. And finally, people and society to whom the services are provided can have peace of mind having reliable and sustainable cooling.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
Currently there are a variety of solutions on the market to address the cooling needs of cities. As you will see they are usually standalone solutions, and not part of a big integrated system.
•Central chillers in Buildings
•Domestic Heat Pumps
•Inefficient Air Conditioning systems
Compared to these standalone systems a decentralized CTES system can allow savings of up to 30%, according to the municipality of Barcelona.
However, there are already cold storage systems in the market, with a variety of players on the playing field like: CALMAC, Vogue Ice LLC, Nostromo Energy, Viking Cold Solutions and several more Start Ups. However, these solutions are limited to stand alone buildings, and cannot be blended into district cooling networks. Moreover, their operation system is usually based on optimization algorithms, and does not incorporate the power of predictive operation.
The Innovation
As previously mentioned, we have several innovative factors which distinguish us from the competition.
• We offer an Integrated Cold thermal Energy Storage (TES) allowing peak shaving through thermal load Management
• Grid management service is also envisioned to play a role in this system
• Predictive demand response system utilizing smart meter data, allowing optimized storage operation
• Demand Forecasting of the cooling load. Which is crucial for optimal cold storage operation and grid stability for the grid operators.
All these innovations combined provide an innovative and unique solution which is not implemented this way yet.
•Central chillers in Buildings
•Domestic Heat Pumps
•Inefficient Air Conditioning systems
Compared to these standalone systems a decentralized CTES system can allow savings of up to 30%, according to the municipality of Barcelona.
However, there are already cold storage systems in the market, with a variety of players on the playing field like: CALMAC, Vogue Ice LLC, Nostromo Energy, Viking Cold Solutions and several more Start Ups. However, these solutions are limited to stand alone buildings, and cannot be blended into district cooling networks. Moreover, their operation system is usually based on optimization algorithms, and does not incorporate the power of predictive operation.
The Innovation
As previously mentioned, we have several innovative factors which distinguish us from the competition.
• We offer an Integrated Cold thermal Energy Storage (TES) allowing peak shaving through thermal load Management
• Grid management service is also envisioned to play a role in this system
• Predictive demand response system utilizing smart meter data, allowing optimized storage operation
• Demand Forecasting of the cooling load. Which is crucial for optimal cold storage operation and grid stability for the grid operators.
All these innovations combined provide an innovative and unique solution which is not implemented this way yet.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
The two major knowledge fields evident in our project can be divided into two verticals: Hardware and Software design. The hardware design comprises the specific design of cold thermal energy storage and its integration into existing systems or as a standalone solution. In total we are four team members dividing ourselves in to two groups for the hard and software design
Hardware: The Hardware part is covered by Alex Berezhnoy and Deepesh Maram. Alex worked for one year in the district heating industry and has proficient knowledge of the operation of these systems. He brings extensive knowledge on the thematic of heat pumps and hot and cold storage as he also was a co-founder of a thermal energy storage Startup. He is a hardware system engineer and oversees the dimensioning, integration and operation of our proposed system. Deepesh on the other hand site, as superb knowledge on testing and operating thermal systems. He is aware of the control dynamics of such a system and is responsible for the design of the thermal storage itself.
Software: Prajwal Shandilya and Salil Kulkarni are currently developing the machine learning algorithm and the graphical user interface (GUI) for our users. As Prajwal previously worked in a software company and has profound coding and GUI skills he is perfectly suited for this role. Moreover, he has great skills in Data Science which he proved by working at Schneider Electric. Salil has an extensive background in buildings energy systems. He understands the building from its heart out and knows the things to consider when doing predictive modelling regarding cooling demand of buildings. His career at Honeywell equipped him with the right skillset to tackle this challenge, synergizing with Prajwal.
Hardware: The Hardware part is covered by Alex Berezhnoy and Deepesh Maram. Alex worked for one year in the district heating industry and has proficient knowledge of the operation of these systems. He brings extensive knowledge on the thematic of heat pumps and hot and cold storage as he also was a co-founder of a thermal energy storage Startup. He is a hardware system engineer and oversees the dimensioning, integration and operation of our proposed system. Deepesh on the other hand site, as superb knowledge on testing and operating thermal systems. He is aware of the control dynamics of such a system and is responsible for the design of the thermal storage itself.
Software: Prajwal Shandilya and Salil Kulkarni are currently developing the machine learning algorithm and the graphical user interface (GUI) for our users. As Prajwal previously worked in a software company and has profound coding and GUI skills he is perfectly suited for this role. Moreover, he has great skills in Data Science which he proved by working at Schneider Electric. Salil has an extensive background in buildings energy systems. He understands the building from its heart out and knows the things to consider when doing predictive modelling regarding cooling demand of buildings. His career at Honeywell equipped him with the right skillset to tackle this challenge, synergizing with Prajwal.
Methodology used
The methodology of our innovative project revolves around a comprehensive approach integrating hardware, software, and data-driven analytics to address the increasing demand for cooling in the face of global warming and climate change. Here's a concise overview:
Hardware Implementation:
We deploy a scalable Cold Thermal Energy Storage unit powered by a heat pump or chiller, allowing for efficient cooling during peak demand periods. The hardware is designed to seamlessly integrate into existing cooling networks without necessitating changes to the underlying systems. Off-peak electricity is utilized for charging during low-cost periods, employing heat pumps or chillers with flexibility in cold source selection (air, water, or ground). This approach ensures optimal thermal load management and peak shaving.
Software Integration:
Our project incorporates advanced software that plays a pivotal role in optimizing and forecasting cooling demand. The software, based on a supervised machine learning model combining classification and regression, analyzes data inputs to enhance the overall efficiency of the CTES system. Predictive modeling is crucial, particularly considering the escalating impact of climate change and the urban heat island effect. The software is designed to anticipate and prepare for extreme heat events, ensuring the CTES system operates optimally.
Hardware Implementation:
We deploy a scalable Cold Thermal Energy Storage unit powered by a heat pump or chiller, allowing for efficient cooling during peak demand periods. The hardware is designed to seamlessly integrate into existing cooling networks without necessitating changes to the underlying systems. Off-peak electricity is utilized for charging during low-cost periods, employing heat pumps or chillers with flexibility in cold source selection (air, water, or ground). This approach ensures optimal thermal load management and peak shaving.
Software Integration:
Our project incorporates advanced software that plays a pivotal role in optimizing and forecasting cooling demand. The software, based on a supervised machine learning model combining classification and regression, analyzes data inputs to enhance the overall efficiency of the CTES system. Predictive modeling is crucial, particularly considering the escalating impact of climate change and the urban heat island effect. The software is designed to anticipate and prepare for extreme heat events, ensuring the CTES system operates optimally.
How stakeholders are engaged
The major stakeholders involved in our project are municipalities, district cooling companies, consumers and Grid operators.
Municipalities: Their involvement may include permitting, infrastructure support, and coordination with local businesses and residents. They play a role in facilitating the integration of the cooling solution into existing networks and ensuring compliance with regional regulations.
District Cooling Companies: District cooling companies often operate large-scale cooling networks that serve multiple buildings or even entire city districts. Engaging with these companies allows for the seamless integration of the proposed cooling solution into existing district cooling infrastructure. This integration can enhance the overall efficiency and coverage of the cooling system.
Grid Operators: National grid operators are crucial stakeholders, given that the cooling solution aims to alleviate strain on the grids. They may be engaged in discussions related to grid integration, peak demand management, and ensuring the overall stability of the electrical grid. Collaboration with national grid operators adds reliability to the project, especially concerning the interaction between the cooling system and the larger energy infrastructure.
Consumers: At the local level, the large-scale consumers of the cooling solution are actively engaged. Their role involves providing data on cooling demands and operational feedback. They act as the primary users of the cooling system and contribute valuable information for optimizing the system's performance based on their specific needs.
Municipalities: Their involvement may include permitting, infrastructure support, and coordination with local businesses and residents. They play a role in facilitating the integration of the cooling solution into existing networks and ensuring compliance with regional regulations.
District Cooling Companies: District cooling companies often operate large-scale cooling networks that serve multiple buildings or even entire city districts. Engaging with these companies allows for the seamless integration of the proposed cooling solution into existing district cooling infrastructure. This integration can enhance the overall efficiency and coverage of the cooling system.
Grid Operators: National grid operators are crucial stakeholders, given that the cooling solution aims to alleviate strain on the grids. They may be engaged in discussions related to grid integration, peak demand management, and ensuring the overall stability of the electrical grid. Collaboration with national grid operators adds reliability to the project, especially concerning the interaction between the cooling system and the larger energy infrastructure.
Consumers: At the local level, the large-scale consumers of the cooling solution are actively engaged. Their role involves providing data on cooling demands and operational feedback. They act as the primary users of the cooling system and contribute valuable information for optimizing the system's performance based on their specific needs.
Global challenges
Our project aims to contribute to following SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) -
SDG 3 – Good health and wellbeing; SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy; SDG 11 – Sustainable cities and communities; SDG 12 – Responsible consumption and production; SDG 13 – Climate action.
Our project also aims to addresses the following global challenges by providing local solutions
Reduce these negative effects of heatwaves as they have direct impact on civil society such as deaths and GDP.
Need for cooling our cities to battle Urban Heat Island Effect.
Prompting the usage of thermal storage which decreases the dependence on Li-ion batteries. Which in turn might reduce child labor in the mining industry.
Reduce the usage of old, inefficient air conditioning systems which release CFC’s affecting the ozone layer and environment.
Indirectly reducing peak loads in electric grids and energy losses by using our efficient cooling method.
Electricity prices have been increasing due to global tensions. With load shift and using heat pumps, the electricity demand can be decreased by charging the storage at night, when the prices are low.
Educating society and making people inclusive with the access of efficient, district cooling and offering integrated cold thermal energy storage (TES)
SDG 3 – Good health and wellbeing; SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy; SDG 11 – Sustainable cities and communities; SDG 12 – Responsible consumption and production; SDG 13 – Climate action.
Our project also aims to addresses the following global challenges by providing local solutions
Reduce these negative effects of heatwaves as they have direct impact on civil society such as deaths and GDP.
Need for cooling our cities to battle Urban Heat Island Effect.
Prompting the usage of thermal storage which decreases the dependence on Li-ion batteries. Which in turn might reduce child labor in the mining industry.
Reduce the usage of old, inefficient air conditioning systems which release CFC’s affecting the ozone layer and environment.
Indirectly reducing peak loads in electric grids and energy losses by using our efficient cooling method.
Electricity prices have been increasing due to global tensions. With load shift and using heat pumps, the electricity demand can be decreased by charging the storage at night, when the prices are low.
Educating society and making people inclusive with the access of efficient, district cooling and offering integrated cold thermal energy storage (TES)
Learning transferred to other parties
Our project is not limited to a single region; it can be scaled and altered as per the consumers' requirements.
We will be using Phase Change Material (PCM), a cold storage technology for thermal energy storage (TES), which can be changed to a chilled water or ice system.
The tank used for storage can be made of steel, concrete, or plastic. The chilling unit can be a Chiller or a Heat Pump which could be any efficient model present on the market.
We could use regular meters but as the word is digitalizing using smart meters is preferable.
The software algorithm which is using machine learning (ML) for a predictive model used for determining the cooling load and schedule charging and discharging of thermal storage by demand forecasting cooling load and peak shaving is internal software, which could be replicated by other companies but certainly will not be obtaining the same outcomes as ours.
The components used in our projects are flexible and can be tailored as per our customer and stakeholders' requirements. All these can be integrated into the existing district cooling network without making too many changes in the systems on the supply side.
We will be using Phase Change Material (PCM), a cold storage technology for thermal energy storage (TES), which can be changed to a chilled water or ice system.
The tank used for storage can be made of steel, concrete, or plastic. The chilling unit can be a Chiller or a Heat Pump which could be any efficient model present on the market.
We could use regular meters but as the word is digitalizing using smart meters is preferable.
The software algorithm which is using machine learning (ML) for a predictive model used for determining the cooling load and schedule charging and discharging of thermal storage by demand forecasting cooling load and peak shaving is internal software, which could be replicated by other companies but certainly will not be obtaining the same outcomes as ours.
The components used in our projects are flexible and can be tailored as per our customer and stakeholders' requirements. All these can be integrated into the existing district cooling network without making too many changes in the systems on the supply side.
Keywords
Thermal energy storage
Sustainable cooling
Cooling demand forecasting
Smart Metering data analytics & Machine learning techniques
Tackling Heatwaves
