- Subtask A: Framework for definitions and context
- Subtask B: Methods, Tools and Technologies for Realizing Positive Energy Districts
- Subtask C: Organizing principles and impact assessment
- Subtask D: Demos, implementation and dissemination
Subtask leaders: Caroline Cheng (SINTEF, Norway), Xingxing Zhang (Högskolan Dalarna, Sweden), Vicky Albert-Seifried (Fraunhofer, Germany)
Aim: primarily reaching objectives 1 and objective 2.
Activity A1: Definition development
A1.1 Identification of the main aspects in the definition context (possible examples include system boundaries, localities, timeframes, , etc.);
A1.2 Scoping the focus of PED definitions in this Annex so that the approach is narrow enough to be practical while wide enough to include all key elements;
A1.3 Coordination of literature review to align the scope and focus on the work across the subtasks within the Annex;
A1.4 Gathering background information regarding the following aspects:
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Existing definitions (positive energy neighbourhoods, PED, etc.) to gain a comprehensive overview of the existing definitions of PED developed by different organizations;
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Initiatives (national, European, international research projects, other initiatives regarding PEDs) to understand which other organizations are working on the PED topic;
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Existing projects and case studies (PEDs from approved H2020 SCC or other initiatives) that can provide learning on relevant topics;
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Literature review about positive energy buildings, positive energy neighbourhoods, PED (scientific papers, books, leaflets, etc.), spatial/temporal scales, essential technologies and components/systems etc.;
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Categories of stakeholders usually involved in the PEDs activities;
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Regulations and existing barriers for energy sharing in PED;
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Objectives of PED from different aspects of energy, economics, environment, and social context.
A1.5 Development of recommendations for an assessment method of PEDs based on energy balance as part of the PED definition. The method can be used to compare the performance of different PED Archetypes and PED solutions (from B1);
A1.6 Proposal of a framework of definitions for PED topics including working definitions that can be used in future projects;
A1.7 Visualization of PEDs in the form of infographics to enhance understanding of the PED concept.
Activity A2: development of a classification of PED typologies
A2.1 Characterization of PEDs according to several key factors (e.g., geographic, types of buildings, land use);
A2.2 Proposal for a “Reference” PED or a set of PED Archetypes based on case studies identified in A1.4 and selected common characteristics. The reference PED or PED archetypes may serve as a basis for further development of a Virtual PED or a digital twin of PED.
A2.3 Establishment of a common process flow for PED development that may guide future PED projects based on case studies identified in A1.4.
A2.4 Provision of relevant parameters from the "reference" PED developed in A2.2 to activity B3 for the purpose of testing.
Subtask leaders: Ursula Eicker (Concordia University, Canada), Genku Kayo (Tokyo City University, Japan), Andrea Gabaldón Moreno (CARTIF, Spain)
Aim: Subtask aims towards reaching objective 3 and objective 4 of this Annex.
Activity B1: Mapping technical solutions
The aim of this activity is to identify the different technical solutions that can be triggered depending on the resources and infrastructures available within a city. The data collected will be structured into data libraries to be used within B3. To do so, the following methodology could be approached:
B1.1 Review of the most innovative solutions and technologies applied in PEDs: A comprehensive review of the most innovative technologies applied in PED (or PED-related, such as smart cities, local energy communities, etc.) at building, district and city level will be conducted. Energy systems (renewable and non-renewable), technologies (storage, batteries, etc.) and needed infrastructure (control and monitoring) will be revised, specially focusing on the integration of the different components. A table of essential technologies and components/systems will be conducted, providing geo-reference information in which PED category/archetype fits (boundary, how the energy balance is made, etc.) dividing them into macro categories (on-site generation, storage, networks, off-site generation, etc.) populate them with information about energy savings, investments, capacities, etc, if data is available.
B1.2 Create an inventory of the most common technologies from case studies: From the case studies identified in subtask D, an inventory (Feeding into libraries from B3) of the current PED technologies applied in PEDs will be also analysed. Through this exercise, the needed data for modelling and best experiences of the different technologies will be identified.
B1.3 Evaluation of the technical solutions: From the revision and analysis of the different technologies applied, case studies will be selected to create solution bundles and can be compared and evaluated (using KPIs from subtask A and C) in terms of costs (LCoE, etc.), regulatory, environmental, energy efficiency, social acceptance indicators, among others, if data is avaialble.
Consequently, the result of this activity will be a guideline (or lessons learnt) of the best technologies applied in PEDs in different urban scenarios. Furthermore, B1 will provide data, in library structure, from the case study and technologies to B3. The library structure will be organised according to the level of detail required (inputs to B3). The different technologies will be grouped according to the different PED archetypes (output from subtask A). If possible, some of the data would be georeferenced for task D (Database).
Activity B2: Smart solutions
The focus of this subtask is to investigate how flexibility management can help to balance energy flows within and beyond the PED boundaries. To do so, different decision-making processes (algorithms) and control strategies will be reviewed. The results from the previous task (B1) and demo cases (Subtask D) will highlight and reveal practical challenges regarding the implementation of smart solutions at different levels, and also future research and development needs in PEDs.
B2.1 Review on decision making process (solutions for decision makers, architects, citizens, energy experts, etc.) algorithms for planning/design a PED: This activity will conduct a literature review on decision making process (solutions for decision makers, architects, citizens, energy experts, etc.) such as algorithms for planning a PED. Studying how the planning/design of PEDs is decided depending on different urban contexts, how KPIs are managed in the simulation part (objectives, constraints, boundaries of the algorithms) and how the decision-making process is made (collaboration between different stakeholders, in line with city plans or not, etc.). A review of findings from of Annex 73 will be conducted.
B2.2 Review and assess control strategies (focusing in flexibility, solutions for system operators, engineers, energy company, etc.): This activity will conduct a literature review on control strategies and algorithms feed in from the information obtained in Subtask B1 and Subtask D. Research on data analysis techniques and control strategies techniques (more advanced control systems, forecasting, load shifting, peak saving, demand management, Virtual Power Plants) will be conducted. Other issues such as demand response, flexibility, data management (blockchain) that are useful for managing a PED will be considered. The result will be a comprehensive inventory of the different control solutions (depending on the technology) that can be applied at building, district and city level. The different control strategies will be assessed to identify the barriers/enablers of the different smart solutions.
As an output, B2.1 will provide Ideas in PED planning phase by city planners, citizens, etc. for D2. Furthermore, a Prototype implementation of an interface algorithms for decision-making solutions for PED will be developed. Finally, a paper on urban scale modelling of PED districts (control-focused) and how flexibility management can help to balance energy flows within and beyond the PED boundaries will be carried out.
Activity B3: Modelling, simulation and optimization tools
The focus of this task is to investigate and identify the data and tools for modelling a PED (from demand to the energy balance calculation) that can be used for designing and operating a PED.
Task will not focus in the comparison of different current modelling and simulation tools, as that has been already identifies in previous Annexes, such as Annex 64 and Annex 73. Rather, it will mainly focus on data libraries and how that libraries can be used to model a PED.
B3.1 Data necessary (and data organization) for modelling tools used in PEDs: Within this task, data necessary (and data organization) for modelling tools used in PEDs will be revised. How to standardized libraries or ontologies for urban/district data models (such as City GML) and how to structure it. The libraries/ontologies concept will be created and populate it with data from B1. As a result, energy systems models templates (pre-configured systems) that are parametrized depending on the load of the district will be performed.
B3.2 Use libraries for modelling district scale case studies: The libraries from B3.1 will be used for modelling district scale case studies (from B1.3). To do so, existing tools and city platforms such as INSEL or City Energy Analyst, could be used. This will help to analyse how to extract attributes from data libraries, to parametrize urban scale models, and to apply different control strategies (from B2.2) and assess them. The selected demos will be different enough to cover different PED archetypes and different urban contexts.
B3.3 How to document and utilise data from case studies: This activity will deal with different data availability and how different data can be processed and used in the same model. Also, case study data will be used for model calibration.
As an output, open-source libraries will be created. From B3.2 specification and prototype implementation of PED energy systems libraries using specifications from B1 will be carried out. Finally, a paper urban scale modelling of PED districts will be developed.
Subtask leaders: Rosaria Volpe (University of Catania, Italy), Andreas Tuerk (Joanneum, Austria), Adriano Bisello (EURAC Research, Italy)
Aim: Subtask C aims to contribute to objectives 1, 2, and 5. STC aims at focusing PEDs under the three dimensions of sustainability (economic, environmental, social), to investigate sustainable pathways towards PEDs implementation. All activities have a symmetrical structure that will facilitate the development of horizontal intersections among them and foster cultural exchanges between different areas of sustainability.
Activity C1: Economic Assessment
This activity will compile, analyze, test and improve, where appropriate, various economic assessment methods and key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to PEDs. It will assess the market strategies of existing initiatives and analyze the potential economic impacts of PEDs. To achieve this, the activity will investigate PED case studies from a broad perspective. A particular emphasis will be placed on renewable energy sources (RES) self-consumption models that incorporate energy sharing and trading mechanisms, as well as on financing options. The identification of key stakeholders to engage will be based on an analysis of organizational models. Additionally, an analysis of barriers and drivers influencing the implementation of PEDs from an economic perspective will be conducted.
C1.1 Literature analysis. This activity will aim at developing a knowledge base among the experts, by creating a repository of scientific literature pertaining to PEDs and diverse economic assessment methodologies for PEDs and KPIs relevant to PEDs. The activity will draw upon the dissemination efforts of existing research projects(e.g., H2020, Smart City Information System – Smart Cities and Communities monitoring & evaluation working group), the Joint Program Initiative (JPI) PED repository, interactions with the PED SETPLAN case studies, and the above listed Annexes and TCPs. This activity will ultimately identify specific research gaps to be addressed and investigated.
C1.2 Economic framework analysis. This activity will undertake a comprehensive analysis of the compiled information on methodologies and KPIs sourced from activity C1.1. The goal is to integrate these findings into the practical context of PEDs. This involves evaluating and comparing existing economic performance assessment methodologies and KPIs that are applicable to Positive Energy Districts (e.g., investment analysis and life cycle costing), the investigation and overview on processes, economic and organizational principles (e.g., in energy communities) for PEDs implementation and management, including market strategies for PED diffusion. In parallel, this action will also develop a framework identifying key stakeholders who should be consulted in the economic/governance sectors as well as information on barriers and drivers influencing the realization of PEDs (building on experience from existing projects/demonstrators and in collaboration with STA and STB). The activity will be carried out through a combination of desk analysis based on literature reviews, expert interviews, and surveys. The outcomes of this task are a critical analysis of methods and KPIs and proposals for improvements (to be complemented in the subsequent activity), a list of relevant types of stakeholders to be addressed, and a discussion of economic barriers and drivers to the implementation of PEDs.
C1.3 Learning from case-studies. This activity will be based on the analysis of case studies from both the demonstration projects involved (e.g., Horizon 2020) and through collaboration with STB and STD, from an economic perspective. The objective is to establish benchmark data for PEDs and to validate economic assessment methodologies and KPIs within the context of real case studies. The work is built upon the methodologies and KPIs that were compiled and assessed in the previous activities. The feedback from real case-study will inform existing methods, where appropriate.
C1.4 Elaboration of the results and lessons learned. This activity will aim at providing recommendations tailored to key stakeholders engaged in the planning and implementation of PEDs from an economic perspective (contributing to a multiple benefits approach) and at suggesting appropriate sets of KPIs and economic assessment methods that align with the objectives of PEDs. All previous activities outcomes will be synthesized into overall results and lessons learned as an input of the overall STC deliverable.
Activity C2: Environmental assessment
This activity will analyze PEDs and their environmental impacts in terms of climate change, particulate emissions, biodiversity loss, etc. A life-cycle perspective will be taken in consideration by investigating different stages of the life cycle of PEDs (e.g., construction, operation, end-of-life) together with a wide range and spectrum of environmental indicators, to identify potential trade-offs and avoid burden shifts across impact categories or life-cycle stages.
C2.1 Literature analysis. This activity will aim at developing a knowledge base among the experts by developing research analyses on the environmental impacts of PEDs from both the methodological approach, modeling perspective (e.g., tools and data quality used) and environmental impacts chosen (e.g., KPIs used and environmental indicators adopted). The activity will build on existing research projects’ dissemination activities (e.g., H2020, Smart City Information System – Smart Cities and Communities monitoring & evaluation working group), the Joint Program Initiative (JPI) PED repository, interactions with the PED SETPLAN case-studies, and the above listed Annexes and TCPs. Ultimately, this activity will identify specific research gaps that necessitate further exploration and investigation.
C2.2 Environmental framework analysis. This action aims at establishing a benchmark for environmental assessment methodologies (e.g. Life Cycle Assessment, investigation of embodied energy and carbon footprint) to be applied in analyzing the environmental impacts and benefits of PEDs. The activity will bring to comparison, evaluation and improvement of existing assessment methods and KPIs, where needed. The activity will also include the consideration of processes and organizational models for PED implementation and environmental management. Ultimately, this action will develop a framework for key stakeholders to be consulted in the environmental sector as well as information on barriers and drivers to the implementation of PEDs.
C2.3 Learning from case-studies. This activity will be based on the analysis of case studies derived from both selected demonstration projects (e.g., Horizon 2020) and collaboration with STB and STD, from an environmental perspective. The primary goal is to create a reference dataset for PEDs and to refine and develop environmental assessment methodologies through real case studies. The methodologies assessed in the previous activity will be tested through the analysis of the case studies. The feedback from real case study will inform existing methods, where appropriate.
C2.4 Elaboration of the results and lessons learned. This activity will be dedicated to offering targeted recommendations to key stakeholders involved in the planning and implementation of PEDs from an environmental perspective, with the intention of fostering a multiple benefits approach. Additionally, the focus will extend to suggesting appropriate sets of KPIs and methods for assessing environmental impacts. All previous activities outcomes will be synthesized into overall results and lessons learned as an input of the overall STC deliverable.
Activity C3: Humanities and social impact assessment
This activity will investigate the broad spectrum of impacts resulting from the implementation and diffusion of PEDs, including their effects on social acceptance and inclusiveness. It will also delve into organizational models, stakeholder engagement, and the development of comprehensive assessment methodologies.
C3.1 Literature analysis. This activity will aim at building a knowledge base among the experts, by developing literature review on the social impacts of PEDs. This review will encompass both methodological approach, and positive and negative social impacts and criteria (e.g., KPIs used and social indicators adopted). Methodological approaches towards social impact assessment fwill also be investigated. This activity will ultimately identify specific research gaps to be investigated in the subsequent activities and will be performed through literature compilation and analysis, involvement of experts and existing pilots via interviews/mail exchange, etc. It will build on existing research projects’ dissemination activities (e.g., H2020, Smart City Information System – Smart Cities and Communities monitoring & evaluation working group), the Joint Program Initiative (JPI) PED repository, interactions with the PED SETPLAN case-studies, and IEA Annexes and TCPs.
C3.2 Social framework analysis. This activity will include the analysis of barriers and drivers, definition of the stages for analyzing stakeholders’ categories involved from a social perspective. It will also involve the elaboration of KPIs within the social context and the development of reference data for social assessment methodologies (following the Life Cycle Thinking to be used for the analysis of PEDs positive and negative social impacts. This action will elaborate processes and organizational principles for PED implementation and social management of PEDs. The existing sets of KPIs on the social perspective from literature and demonstration projects will be compiled. The activity will bring to comparison, evaluation and improvement of existing assessment methods and KPIs, where needed.
C3.3 Learning from case-studies. This activity will be based on the analysis of case studies from both the involved demonstration projects (e.g., Horizon 2020) and through collaboration with STB and STD from a social perspective, aimed at developing reference data for PEDs and testing/developing social assessment methodologies to real case-studies. The methodologies assessed in the previous activity will be tested through the analysis of case studies from chosen demonstration projects and through collaboration with STB and STD. The feedback from real-case study will inform existing methods, where appropriate.
C3.4 Elaboration of the results and lessons learned. This activity will aim at providing recommendationsto key stakeholders for PEDs planning and implementation, centered around the social perspective and contributing to a multiple benefits approach. Additionally, suitable sets of KPIs and social assessment methods will be suggested. All previous activities outcomes will be synthesized into overall results and lessons learned as an input of the overall STC deliverable.
Activity C4: Synthesis of economic, environmental and social analyses and delivery of the final assessment toolbox
This activity aims at performing a synthesis of the lessons learned and methodological developments by integrating the outcomes of previous tasks into innovative and interdisciplinary KPIs – connected to the three spheres of sustainability as a support for sustainability assessment for policy makers and stakeholders.
Subtask leaders: Sergio Diaz de Garayo Balsategui (CENER, Spain), Shokufeh Zamini (AIT, Austria), Matthias Haase (ZHAW, Switzerland).
PED Networking Ambassador: Daniele Vettorato (EURAC, Italy)
Website: Anna Kozlowska (AIT, Austria) | Social media: Federica Leone (VTT, Finland)
Aim: Subtask D spans all the objectives by testing and demonstrating their operationalization in demonstration cases reaching objective 5.
Activity D1: Demonstration cases
D1.1 The subtask will kick start the work of the Annex with the Scoping Phase with the aim to create a framework for data collection from demo cases. All the Annex participant will contribute to the Scoping Phase outlining all the necessary domains and notions that are need to collect to to carry out the Subtask A,B,C activities. References from other initiatives (e.g. SCIS, JPI UE Booklet, PED EU NET other references from outside EU) will be considered to take inspiration for creating the data collection framework collaborative process to fix the main aspects to build upon.
D1.2 The data collection framework will be further elaboration into a template, which will be structured to collect relevant info from demo cases. Subtasks A,B,C leaders will support the template process creation making sure that the template collects relevant info to carry out the Subtask A,B,C activities.
D1.3 Data Collection will be an ongoing activity throughout the Annex. This activity has a twofold purpose: FIrst, identifying relevant demo cases among the Annex partners and supporters to identify demonstration activities at district levels relevant to the Annex. These can be relatedto PED Labs, PED cases and PED relevant cases. Subtask D leaders will oversee as PED editors the different entries and ensure quality of the input data. Secondly, the purpose is to creating a knowledge mass for the whole Annex.
Using the D1.2 template a Collection of informative demo cases will be created (database) to collect best practices, learnings about the definition, archetype and stakeholders involvement (for subtask A activities) as well as data availability of PED technologies (for Subtask B activities) and learnings about the evaluation framework and KPIs experience (for Subtask C activities).
Activity D2: Planning and implementation methodology
D2.1 The main outcomes of the Subtask A, B and C will be elaborated into a collection of cross-domains best practices accessible for professionals, city planners and municipal stakeholders. They will be consulted in the early stage of this activity to identify their burning needs and where they would need support for planning PEDs. An editorial board will be created among the subtask leaders for organizing and leading the work with Annex domain experts. They will be responsible for the stakeholders interaction and cross-domains best practices creation.
D2.2 Integrated planning PED guidelines will be collected building on cross-domains best practices. The D2.1 editorial board will oversee the guideline creation making use of text-mining technologies. These will give input to create the PED value chain from design and construction to operation, verification, maintenance, renovation and end of life, etc. The guidelines will support the PED planning in different dimensions: urban, suburban and rural. The integration of PED in the existing urban environment and its role in the city energy transition will be also addressed.
D2.3 The guidelines will be reviewed by the target audience (professionals, city planners and municipal stakeholders). They will be consulted in the making to make sure that the guidelines address relevant aspects. An intermediate and final draft of the guidelines will be discussed with the target audience.
Activity D3: Dissemination
D3.1 A Communication and Dissemination Plan will be created with the purpose to outline the communication, networking, dissemination strategy, identifying to relevant initiatives (associations of cities, professionals, research organizations, Initiatives organized by Institutions, etc.) for the Annex, describing how the Annex intend to keep up the communication and networking activities. In this regard, the Annex Subtask leaders and Operating Agents will nominate a set of ambassadors to be Annex the representative to the selected initiatives. They will be responsible to set up collaborative interactions and cooperation events. The Ambassador code of conduct will be part of the Communication and Dissemination Plan.
D3.2 The Annex will seek continuous collaboration with other networks, projects and IEA tasks/Annexes. An initiatives and conference scouting call will be launched periodically (every 12 month) to the Annex partners and supporters to map the relevant PED communication and dissemination opportunities.
D3.3 The Annex website is periodically updated with relevant content and outcomes from all Subtasks. A newsletter is being published every month and social media are used to disseminate progress in the Annex.
Annex 83 website: https://annex83.iea-ebc.org/news
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Annex83_IEA?s=20&t=Bn5fVWIvs90nwNfA72qsUg
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iea-ebc-annex-83-positive-energy-districts/