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Summer School excursions into real-life laboratory of the energy transition
Research and education are central components of our Summer Schools.
It is equally important to complement the theory with practical activities and excursions in order to gain valuable insights into professional practice. An outstanding example of such an excursion is the annual "Urban Energy Systems" visit to E.ON's new quarters, which are part of the "SmartQuart" real-world laboratory.
This is where research is applied, and our interdisciplinary group from the fields of architecture, civil engineering, electrical engineering, telecommunications engineering, industrial engineering and environmental studies was very enthusiastic about it. Mr. Uwe Dietze from the Decarbonization & Portfolio Management department at E.ON took the time to explain the ideas behind the project to our students.
Heat pumps, photovoltaics and wind power – nothing new?
It quickly became clear that the uniqueness of the three visited neighborhoods is not the buildings or the installed technology itself, but the innovative interconnection of all energy supply systems. Thanks to the intelligent data management system, detailed evaluations of entire districts are possible.
Thus, in the energy center, which controls the supply network, it is possible to see exactly whether someone is taking a shower in a household, how the heat pump is regulated, and whether the underfloor heating is switched on.
Sustainable energy concepts – produce and use locally
Although fossil fuels still play a role in the energy sources, the suppliers are striving to optimize the share of renewable energies. For example, the neighborhood in Bedburg-Kaster has its own line to a wind farm 5 km away. A battery system stores energy for windless days or maintenance situations. In addition, private photovoltaic systems are gradually being installed on non-planted roofs, and their surplus is fed into the grid. This makes the settlement almost self-sufficient.
Intelligent data management systems
The screens in the Energy Center display large amounts of data and illustrative charts, some of which were created in collaboration with RWTH Aachen University. The collected information provides insights not only at the household level, but also at the regional level.
For example, internet and TV connections as well as charging stations for electric cars are available and can be used and expanded as needed. All data can be accessed remotely, facilitating maintenance and troubleshooting as well as evaluations and conclusions about social developments.
Overall, E.ON's approach of transferring closed systems to entire communities, sharing resources and developing sustainable concepts has been more than successful. Uwe Dietze is rightly proud of what has been achieved and what will be developed in the coming years.
- Quarter 1: New-build quarter Vinger Weg Kerpen - single and multi-family homes - completed 2020/2021
- Quarter 2: Bedburg-Kaster resource conservation estate - single and multi-family homes - in the process of completion
- Quarter 3: Future quarter Brainergy Park Jülich - 50-hectare industrial area planned for 2030.
I like that there is an electricity trading plan and a hope for self-sustaining cities, but I found it counter-intuitive to still use fossil fuels to heat and provide electricity. The mechanical systems are very well managed and the data optimization is really cool tracking usage and providing charts but it would be cool to also see vernacular and passive elements implemented to save energy.
Malak Fraige – Participant of the Summer School "Sustainable Buildings & Green Cities"
On behalf of the participants and RWTH International Academy, we would like to express our sincere thanks for the years of collaboration and look forward to continuing to observe the process of urban energy supply.
This excursion took place as part of the Summer School “Sustainable Buildings & Green Cities”. This school has been held for several years in partnership with the E3D Institute and the E.ON Research Center.
This year, we welcomed 14 participants from 7 countries!
Want to explore building sustainability and green solutions next summer? Subscribe to our newsletter to be notified when applications for our 2025 Summer School open!