Energy Hub as the heart
The shift to renewable energy is tangible, with power and heat generated in an environment-friendly way. The aim is a CO2-neutral supply of the campus. Thanks to a highly technologized energy hub and the use of solar power and renewable energy sources, the CO2 climate protection targets of the German Governement for 2045 are achieved even before opening – and at the same price as conventionally generated energy.
Solar energy, regenerative energies and state-of-the-art storage technologies are combined.
This achievement is made possible, for instance, through the lake water utilisation concept and a solar facade. Bioreactors with algae growing inside are installed on the facades for energy production. Algae consumes CO2 and produces oxygen and heat. Renewable energies are stored using Power-to-Heat and Power-to-Cold.
The combined use of renewable energy sources forms the core of the innovative energy concept of the new EUREF-Campus Düsseldorf.
The immediate vicinity of the Lichtenbroich quarry pond and local groundwater resources make it possible to use lake water as well as groundwater. Solar and wind energy can also be included in the concept. All these natural energy sources are collected separately and used directly depending on the season and temperature or brought to the right temperature with networked large heat pump technology in the ENERGY CENTRE D.
SOLAR PANELS A on the roof supply the electricity needed for the HIGH-FEED PUMPS B and the energy centre – intelligently controlled by a system from Schneider Electric that forecasts the weather and user requirements three days in advance.
Heat supply in winter
In winter, the groundwater, which is always at an even temperature, is reheated with warmer water from the upper part of the lake and then brought to the required temperature by means of a specially developed HEAT PUMP C in the energy centre. This heat is distributed throughout the building by a storage underfloor heating system built into the concrete core (CONCRETE CORE ACTIVATION E). The waste heat of the building is also almost completely utilised to effectively preheat the fresh indoor air.
Cooling in summer
In summer, the building is cooled via the concrete core activation system by releasing the excess heat to the groundwater and cooling it with water from the deep, cooler layers of the lake without the need for any equipment.
In summer and winter operation, the intelligent control system regulates the system with the help of electricity, heat and cold storage in the building so that the groundwater does not become too warm or the lake can ice up unnaturally.
Cooperation partner
