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A Digital Twin Approach to City Block Renovation Using RES Technologies

Author

Listed:
  • Vytautas Bocullo

    (Centre for Smart Cities and Infrastructure, Kaunas University of Technology, Studentų g. 48, 51367 Kaunas, Lithuania)

  • Linas Martišauskas

    (Lithuanian Energy Institute, Breslaujos g. 3, 44403 Kaunas, Lithuania)

  • Ramūnas Gatautis

    (Lithuanian Energy Institute, Breslaujos g. 3, 44403 Kaunas, Lithuania)

  • Otilija Vonžudaitė

    (Lithuanian Energy Institute, Breslaujos g. 3, 44403 Kaunas, Lithuania)

  • Rimantas Bakas

    (Lithuanian Energy Institute, Breslaujos g. 3, 44403 Kaunas, Lithuania)

  • Darius Milčius

    (Lithuanian Energy Institute, Breslaujos g. 3, 44403 Kaunas, Lithuania)

  • Rytis Venčaitis

    (Centre for Smart Cities and Infrastructure, Kaunas University of Technology, Studentų g. 48, 51367 Kaunas, Lithuania)

  • Darius Pupeikis

    (Centre for Smart Cities and Infrastructure, Kaunas University of Technology, Studentų g. 48, 51367 Kaunas, Lithuania)

Abstract

The building sector accounts for over 40% of global energy consumption, and many buildings are old and inefficient. However, the current pace of building renovation is not sufficient to make a tangible impact. A new strategy is needed to accelerate the renovation process. Renovation at the district level and the use of digital tools, such as a digital twin (DT) of a city district, can provide a solution. This paper proposes a novel approach to city block renovation using renewable energy sources (RES), including photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, heat pumps (HP), and electric heaters (EH), while utilizing a DT of a city district to provide a user-friendly representation of the results and data needed for holistic solutions. The proposed method combines an optimization model of the optimal heating system with a solar PV simulation technique to analyse hybrid RES solutions and potential on-site energy generation and supply. Several scenarios are simulated to evaluate RES solutions in the renovation process of the city block using the DT concept. The simulation results demonstrate that a hybrid RES solution, which includes a PV system and a heating system, is optimal when the on-site generated energy is used not only for domestic electricity consumption, but also for the operation of HPs and EHs for heat generation. This study highlights the importance and significance of a DT approach to city block renovation and provides a new solution to accelerate the renovation process and reduce energy consumption in the building sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Vytautas Bocullo & Linas Martišauskas & Ramūnas Gatautis & Otilija Vonžudaitė & Rimantas Bakas & Darius Milčius & Rytis Venčaitis & Darius Pupeikis, 2023. "A Digital Twin Approach to City Block Renovation Using RES Technologies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-26, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:12:p:9307-:d:1167014
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    References listed on IDEAS

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