Conscious and fulfilled living
An open innovation project by Strüby Konzept AG Forecasts by the Federal Statistical Office predict that the permanent Swiss resident population will grow from the current 8.6 million to 10.4 million in 2050. The 10 million mark is expected to be exceeded in 2040. The proportion of over-65s in the total population will increase at an above-average rate - from 18.9% today to 25.6% by 2050, i.e. a good 2.7 million. This will require 70,000 additional places in retirement and nursing homes. However, organizations in the geriatric sector warn that an increase in capacity on this scale will not be feasible. Alternatives must therefore be created. The expansion of various forms of housing is a promising approach. There is also a shortage of land in Switzerland. Inward densification is intended to meet the continuing demand for living space. The question therefore arises as to how a liveable built environment can be created in the context of an ageing population, denser construction and increasing anonymity. Objective With the aim of realizing a concept for a multi-generational housing project that addresses precisely these challenges, Strüby Konzept AG launched an open innovation project in the Central Switzerland Innovation Park at the beginning of 2020. As part of the social lab, an interdisciplinary team of park members was put together. The primary aim was to better understand the two target groups "young old people from their mid-60s" and "middle-aged couples and families". Under the title "conscious and fulfilling living", the project team invited a dozen participants from the region to a structured target group workshop. Together, they discussed what constitutes quality of living, a meaningful environment and neighborhood activities. Result Based on these findings, Strüby Konzept AG was able to develop a suitable spatial program and define unique selling points. In collaboration with the Energy Lab, ideas were also developed for a sustainable energy concept with a focus on Minergie-A-Eco. Also in an open setting, participants considered the recyclability of the materials to be used, the digitalization of the infrastructure and possible forms of sponsorship and operation. The whole process was supported by the Innovationspark Zentralschweiz, in particular the Social Lab. At the end of 2020, Strüby Konzept AG brought the project back into its own organization with thanks to the input providers, where it developed it further and expanded it into a marketable business model. The complex requirements were incorporated into a process model under the title HOMA (Holz Magnet). The model is intended to enable densification with existing buildings through new construction, primarily in conurbations and well-developed rural regions and municipalities. The current generation, which owns single-family homes and no longer has children at home, is invited to make their attractive living spaces accessible to families again. To this end, an offer must be developed to suit the location and life goals of this generation of detached house owners. In order to define the right use and objectives, a participatory process is recommended to identify the needs of future residents and the existing potential of the site. The vision includes a timber construction project, close to the center, for and with local people. The participation process is supported by digital tools in order to quickly define concrete, common denominators for the new building. Tried and tested, social and technical as well as qualitative, sustainable implementation modules are available, which can be used individually and adapted to the location depending on user requirements and objectives. The next step will be the evaluation of a corresponding pilot project by Strüby Konzept AG in 2021. Strüby Konzept AG As a full-service provider with a focus on wood, the Strüby companies combine development, architecture, planning and timber construction under one roof. Strüby is Switzerland's leading full-service provider with a focus on timber, active in the fields of architecture, real estate, residential construction, interior design, conversion, commercial construction and agriculture. The expertise, specialist knowledge and commitment of around 300 employees in 25 professions enable the company to plan and realize the most demanding projects.
A real power cube visiting Otto Fischer AG
Switzerland Innovation Park Central will be closed from Monday, July 24 to Friday, August 4. We wish you a great summer and look forward to welcoming you back on August 7th! Would you like to stay up to date and know what's going on at the park? Then follow us on LinkedIn Visitors will immediately notice it: the container right by the entrance to the Otto Fischer company. It is an energy storage system designed to help make even better use of the electricity produced by the solar system on the roof of the building. And in a particularly environmentally friendly way. After all, by adopting the Energy Strategy 2050, the Swiss people have decided to focus on sustainable resources. This initially means that energy efficiency is to be increased and the expansion of renewable energies promoted as part of the first package of measures. Building owners are therefore also required to make their contribution to the energy strategy. In concrete terms, this means that in places where previously only consumers were to be found, so-called "prosumers" are now being promoted: Consumers and producers at the same time. The aim is for the energy supply to become increasingly decentralized - which poses a challenge for the electricity grid. This is because the feed-in of solar and wind energy is characterized by strong fluctuations. This is why intelligent grids and technologies such as batteries are needed to store the electricity temporarily. This is why the Otto Fischer company is currently testing a battery storage solution to make even better use of the solar power it produces itself - with the help of this very container, which is located in front of the main building. In future, "second life" applications Batteries are increasingly being used in buildings. For example, to minimize peak loads, to optimize self-consumption or even as a backup in the event of a grid failure. However, the production of batteries requires key raw materials such as lithium, cobalt and nickel. It would therefore make sense for batteries to remain in use for as long as possible. Batteries that have been used in electric vehicles, for example, are still usable after their use in the car. The reuse ("second life") of aged batteries from e-mobility in secondary storage applications can therefore significantly extend the service life of used lithium-ion batteries. This significantly increases the eco-balance of electric vehicles and can generate additional revenue. The inner workings of the "power cube" with the reused electric car batteries. Test operation in Zurich Otto Fischer has installed a photovoltaic system with over 900 modules and an output of 257.6 kWp on its roof; the electrical wholesaler consumes around 60 % of the electricity generated in this way itself at its headquarters. In terms of using the electricity itself, there is room for improvement - for the environment and for lower electricity costs. To find out whether the use of a storage medium is worthwhile in this respect, it has been decided to test the use of a "second life" battery storage unit in collaboration with the company Evtec AG from Kriens - a pilot test that should provide information on the dimensioning of the storage capacity. The "power cube" is installed to store the electricity from the solar system. Different operating modes Battery storage systems can be used and operated in a variety of ways. The two most common operating modes are self-consumption optimization and peak load optimization, whereby the latter is more commonly used in commercial operations, as it allows power charges to the distribution grid operators to be reduced. The storage systems can also be used as a backup or for control power. For the pilot project at the Otto Fischer parking lot, a combination of operating modes is being used: self-consumption optimization on the one hand and peak load minimization on the other. Peak load minimization is primarily useful on weekdays, with the aim of shifting and smoothing the peak load over time. Increasing self-consumption, on the other hand, is often sought at weekends. After all, self-consumption is then only low and the solar power can be temporarily stored in the battery at midday and used at a later time in the evening. This means that the existing PV system with its output of 257.64 kWp is utilized even better: By operating the battery storage system, the company is now aiming to increase self-consumption by around 10-15 % and minimize the peak output by 20 kW. By minimizing peak loads, the peak load is shifted and smoothed over time. With the help of a battery storage system, it is possible to increase self-consumption and minimize the power peak. SIA leaflet The rapid development of battery storage systems and their increasing popularity has prompted the SIA (Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects) to draw up the leaflet (SIA 2061) "Battery storage systems in buildings". This contains dimensioning instructions and provides specifications for the integration and operation of the storage infrastructure, which is used in residential buildings as well as in commercial buildings or for mixed use. In brief The most important key data on the "Second Life" electricity storage system can be found here in a compact overview. Battery "Second Life" battery from the Nissan Leaf model (24 kWh) Laminated lithium-ion battery Battery cells: 192 (24 kWh) Battery voltage: 350 V (24 kWh) Grid connection: 3 × 400 V AC Design 4 × 24 kWh, total 96 kWh (nominal) 4 × 10 kW DC Power module Total 40 kW DC Charging and discharging capacity Contact Alessandro Buriola Head of Product Range Development, Otto Fischer AG A.Buriola@ottofischer.ch
2050 energy concept for a mixed-use area
Development of an innovative energy concept for a new, location-independent, medium-sized site in Switzerland with different types of use. Global warming affects everyone. Global warming of at least 2 degrees Celsius is expected. This is also likely to result in a change in humidity and more extreme weather conditions. This will create new challenges for the built environment. The need for summer cooling will increase. At the same time, the increased use of sustainable energy sources implies seasonal energy storage. What must an energy concept for a site look like with a view to 2050 in order to do justice to these aspects and cover user needs in the long term? News. Three rough concepts were developed for the project, which were discussed and enriched by a panel of experts. The next step will be a synthesis workshop for the overall project. On this basis, the requirements for the degree of innovation for the energy concept will be derived. As the most progressive concept, it is conceivable to design and develop an energy concept with modeled climate data for 2050. The site would then be climate ready in 2050. Objective. The project team is aiming for an energy concept that can be implemented using a specific example in Central Switzerland. The aim is to comply with the Minergie-A-ECO framework conditions and supplement them with innovative elements - depending on local conditions. The ideal of a net-zero concept should be incorporated. Initial situation. The focus is on a medium-sized, mixed-use, non-urban site. The Energy Strategy 2050 in accordance with the SIA standards serves as the starting point. Responsibility for the project lies with Strüby Konzept AG, a leading Swiss full-service provider that not only relies on Minergie-A to achieve climate targets, but also promotes ECO construction to ensure the health and well-being of its customers.
Energy Alternatives for an Asphalt Production Site
Reducing the CO2 emissions and optimizing the energy consumption in asphalt production. Alternative Energies will help to reduce the CO2 footprint of an asphalt production site. Asphalt production nowadays is mainly driven by the usage of fossil high-density fuels. Asphalt production companies are seeking for alternative solutions to make the production of asphalt much more sustainable. Moreover, the recycling of old asphalt harvested from used roads needs to be considered as well. News. A visit to Implenia site in Ecublens (VD) was performed to learn more about the asphalt manufacturing process and plant operation features. This recently overhauled plant is equipped with new technologies that aim at plant efficiency and therefore sustainability while improving productivity. This includes efforts to increase energy savings and reduce environmental impacts, improve plant versatility to better meet individual customer requirements and increase use of recycled asphalt in mixtures. The visit provided a good overview of the process requirements and pointed out current limitations and possible improvements areas for higher efficient and cleaner processes, some of them to be tackled in this project. Targets. The following questions should be addressed by this project: How can we run an asphalt production site with the minimum amount of fossil high-density fuels? How can we increase the thermal efficiency of such a plant? How can we increase the amount of recycled asphalt in the whole production process? Initial situation. Implenia as one of the project partners is seeking for optimized design solutions as they plan to overhaul existing Swiss production sites. Contact. Sara EicherUniversity of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, HEIG-VDsara.eicher@heig-vd.ch Pierre RazurelImplenia Suisse SApierre.razurel@implenia.com
Automation of threshold values
Deep learning algorithms to define best threshold values are key components in this project. Threshold values play an important role in the optimization of running HVAC-systems and their surveillance concerning unexpected operating modes. MST as energy management provider and HSLU - T&A in cooperation with Empa will be working on deep learning algorithms to get automatized values based on historical data. Targets. The following points are addressed within the project: How can historic energy data be used to address both, energy optimization and surveillance? How can knowledge of historical data be used to optimize threshold values in an automated way? How much CO2 can be saved using automated threshold values? Initial situation. MST provides an energy management system for more than 14,000 buildings. Due to its unique pool of historical data, automated threshold values shall be derived based on conventional statistical methods as well as using deep learning algorithms. Outlook and next steps. The project's first steps have already been funded by an Innocheck. Lately, a subsequent application has been submitted to Innosuisse. Therefore, the project's start is expected in autumn. Contact. Dr. Thomas Schluck Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Institute of Building Technology and Energy IGE thomas.schluck@hslu.ch
Renewable Energy on Neighborhood Level
Integration of renewable energy on neighbourhood level is a key point in reaching the goals of the Swiss energy strategy 2050. If the commitment of the goals of ES 2050 shall be fulfilled, the integration of renewable energy-especially for space heating and domestic hot water production-comprise one central key point. SFOE has lately started its own initiative on the topic. An interdisciplinary approach of social, financial and technical researchers will provide insights into the processes required to achieve this goal. Targets. The following points are addressed within the project: Bottom-up initiative concerning substitution of fossil driven heat converters on building/district level and best use of thermal energy storages. Integration of new renewables such as PV and utilisation of economy of scale-providing best ROI of capital invested Build a demonstration case to exemplify the possible decarbonization of buildings/neighbourhoods. Initial situation. The neighbourhood "Wesemlinquartier" in Lucerne serves as test case to roll out different approaches on electricity self-production, thermal conversion emitting CO2 and most fitting integration of thermal storages taking into account best revenues of capital. The public will be closely accompanied on a social research level to build a bottom-up initiative within the neighborhood to strengthen the case. Outlook and next steps. Already, eight industry partners could be bound and the social impact will be a key success criteria. Are you interested in contributing your expertise? Then let us know. Contact. Prof. Alex WilllenerLucerne School of Social Work, Institute of Sociocultural Developmentalex.willener@hslu.ch
Efficiency Improvement Program for Domestic Appliances
Boosting Energy Transformation 2050 by accelerated removal & replacement of inefficient domestic refrigeration It's (global) time to act! The energy transformation (Swiss: 2050) is under huge time pressure, in the housing sector the implementation speed is not fast enough! The housing sector has a big impact on the national energy & carbon base line. White goods are consuming ~9% of national energy, refrigeration devices consuming ~33% of white goods energy. Description. Energy consumption of domestic refrigeration could be reduced by almost 40% replacing all less efficient units with devices rated A+++. Swiss based household refrigeration units are consuming ~1.7 TWh, equivalent to~9% of national household energy and 3% of total >50% of refrigeration units are older than 10 years, consuming almost 60% of total energy 20% of the units are used for more than 15 years, consuming ~ 30% of total energy Up-to-date refrigeration units offering ~40% efficiency gains compared to older devices Traditional efficiency programs have limited impact due to low energy cost gains and not being credible in terms of ecological motivation Objectives. Efficiency Improvement Program driven by manufacturers, trade and supported by BFE Motivating owners/users to remove/replace inefficient appliances; 1st category: refrigeration Reducing energy consumption of domestic refrigeration by up to 55% replacing less efficient units with best-in-class devices rated A+++ Partner. FEA / Branchenverband Elektroapparate BFE / Bundesamt für Energie (Proklima) eae / Energieagentur Elektrogeräte Project lead. Dirk Hoffmann (FEA) Project team. Diego de Pedrini (eae) Jürg Berner (FEA) Sem Mattli (Switzerland Innovation Park Central)
BUILDing360.cockpit: Digital twin retrieves real-time data
Improving building operations and saving energy thanks to BIM and IoT The BUILDing360 portal developed by HHM enables digital planning, construction and management. The current project is working on the cross-location monitoring of buildings with BUILDing360.cockpit using the example of the digital twin of the Innovation Park Central Switzerland Rotkreuz. The cloud-based networking of the building information model with IoT sensors from a start-up and building automation elements is making building management and monitoring a reality.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hojoShSqeLg Initial situation Building management requires complete and up-to-date data that can be displayed in a spatial context. Through the cloud-based networking of 3D building information models (BIM) with asset management databases, building automation systems, IoT sensors and geoportals, the BUILDing360.cockpit portal enables cross-location monitoring and optimization of the real estate portfolio. The core of the application is the customer's desire for cross-portfolio information transparency with a "data-at-the-center" approach that clearly regulates data and access sovereignty. Objectives & technology The aim of the project is to develop a cloud-based application at the level of a minimum viable product (MVP) that uses two realistic application scenarios to demonstrate the benefits and added value of digital building models in the management of a real estate portfolio. The solution is based on the technologies Autodesk Forge, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and ThingDust IoT. Procedure & solution The focus is on the creation of the digital twin of the Innovation Park Central Switzerland based on the BUILDing360 building component system, including furnishing, materialization and enrichment of manufacturer data as well as the creation of the web application with dashboard, IoT integration, model viewer, query and analysis tools. Two scenarios were implemented: Using IoT sensors to plan the conversion in the digital twin Using IoT sensors to identify and rectify faults in building operation Learnings & results The MVP represents a showcase of a building information system based on a specific object (IPZ) that can be experienced both digitally and in real life. The application can be accessed online. Project management: Matthias LiechtiHead of BIM competence field+41 79 744 41 72matthias.liechti@hhm.ch Anastasiya BosovaProduct Management BUILDing360+41 78 825 13 85anastasiya.bosova@building360.ch
Connectivity in the building (KiG)
The "Connectivity in buildings" project has set itself the goal of increasing energy efficiency by improving the interaction between individual trades, disciplines and technologies through digitalization. Buildings are an immensely important area when it comes to achieving climate targets and using energy efficiently. Digitalization offers an important tool for this and can improve the well-being of residents. In order for it to contribute to the climate and energy targets, the interaction between the individual trades, disciplines and technologies must be improved. This is the aim of the "Connectivity in buildings" project. The results should advance digitalization in the building sector and help to leverage its potential. Background. Digitalization in buildings and sites is progressing rapidly. Be it through new technologies such as IoT, BigData, artificial intelligence, BIM, etc. or due to the incentives of new framework conditions, such as the Energy Strategy 2050 or the revision of the CO2 Act, which aim, among other things, to decarbonize the building stock. To ensure that the new technologies can be used to achieve the desired goals, fundamental questions about interoperability, data protection and cyber security - which are increasingly acting as barriers - must be asked. Existing barriers to system integration should be identified and addressed in a practical manner. Interdisciplinary cooperation between the individual trades, disciplines and technologies must take center stage in order to achieve the desired quality, security and effectiveness in the use of technology. As part of the "Connectivity in buildings" project, existing specifications such as standards, norms and guidelines are analyzed for existing gaps, overlaps and ambiguities and the necessary overview of the complicated standards landscape (big picture) is provided. Where possible, existing international standards and regulations are also taken into account. The interests of all relevant stakeholders and in particular the building operators are just as important as the technology and are identified in a market and needs analysis on the topic of connectivity in buildings. They are compared with the existing regulations and influencing factors and the consequences in terms of gaps and necessary regulations are derived from this. A guideline based on the project results should combine existing requirements into a comprehensible whole and supplement them where necessary. It should serve as a viable basis for improving a cross-disciplinary understanding of digital functions and processes between the trades, disciplines and technologies in the building and strengthening networking within the stakeholder groups. Objectives. - Creation of a market and needs analysis on the topic of connectivity in buildings in collaboration with the building sector - Recording of existing findings and creation of an overview on the topic of connectivity in buildings (big picture) - Identification of the need for action to achieve the desired target state - Creation of an initial draft of the guidelines - Promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration and networking between the individual stakeholder groups in the project (building investors, owners, operators, planners, integrators, technology manufacturers) Output. A map (big picture) is to be developed as an overview of all relevant contexts (standards, labels, specifications, programs, projects, initiatives, etc.) on the topic of connectivity in buildings and a guideline "Connectivity in buildings" with corresponding recommendations. Project partners. INEXTR GmbH bestec AG Empa University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland SmartGridReady IoTReady Switzerland Innovation Park Central HSLU BELIMO Automation AG Software AG BuildingMinds GmbH Siemens Schweiz AG Schneider Electric Schweiz AG ENGIE Services AG Griesser AG Planzer Transport AG Roche Diagnostics GmbH Microsoft Schweiz GmbH bonainvest Holding AG / bonacasa AG Helbling Technik Bern AG BKW Swiss Life Asset Managers Contacts. Daniel Stauffer Technology Broker IG KiGdaniel.stauffer@inextr.com
Gjosa Shower Head
The Gjosa Shower Head is designed to minimize the high warm water, energy and resource consumption. Professional hair care in salons requires large amounts of warm water, energy and resources. Gjosa is developing a new type of shower head, which has a significantly reduced water consumption and allows the direct infusion of additives into the water flow. The project team consists of the company Gjosa and the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. Targets. The following points should be achieved within the project: - Understanding and improving the fluid dynamics of spray formation.- Understanding and improvement of in-situ emulsion formation in this context or for new applications.- Construction and testing of new mockups. Initial situation. Professional hair care in salons requires large amounts of warm water and energy. It is possible to optimize this process and save valuable resources. Gjosa and the University of Lucerne have accepted the challenge. Are you interested in bringing in and contributing your expertise? Then let us know. Contact. Prof. Dr. Ernesti CasartelliLucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Institute of Mechanical Engineering and Energy Technology IME, CC Fluid Mechanics and Hydro-Machines +41 41 349 32 36ernesto.casartelli@hslu.ch