Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB 
Data exchange for holistic optimization
A holistic optimization of district heating supply areas offers great potential through the feed-in of renewable energies, grid expansion, energy savings and cost reduction as well as a reduction in CO2 emissions.
An analysis of several district heating networks has shown that the 5% worst transfer stations (e.g. with a "short circuit" between flow and return) cause an extreme increase in pump output and thus pump power consumption. However, the Projekt ML4Heat (and other projects) has shown that district heating network tools alone cannot fully exploit the potential for energy savings. The reason for this is that appropriate measures must also be implemented on the secondary side (i.e. energy consumption in the properties) so that energy demand can be significantly reduced.
Project objective
The KomDat project therefore aims to create a prototype digital, data-based information hub between the key stakeholders in the district heating market (network operators, building owners and tenants). The aim is to show that the exchange, blending and analysis of data already available from these stakeholders provides synergetic added value for all stakeholders. The information hub will be supported by a communication concept that supports the exchange between the stakeholders, makes synergy effects transparent and prepares implementation measures. A user-centered communication approach is to be developed that focuses on a balanced relationship between reduced district heating costs and climate-friendly heat supply. Based on data and facts, mutual trust between the stakeholders (supplier - owner - tenant) is to be strengthened. Optimizations are monetized in such a way that a high level of social acceptance is created, particularly for the expansion of green district heating. An open approach is to be developed for the evidence-based and transparent procedure.
Synergies and added value - exemplified in three districts
The aim is to initially make synergies visible by exchanging and blending data/information that has not previously been exchanged and ultimately to generate added value for as many participants as possible. Three districts (two in Berlin and one in Cologne) will be used as examples to examine how the data exchange and communication concept could be designed under the different local conditions in each case.