Replacing and optimizing the outdated heating system of the VIS research building and Ghent University in Zwijnaarde (thermal capacity: approx. 2.8 MW), with a focus on energy efficiency, cost savings, and sustainability.

Framework and scope

The current heating system is due for replacement. This renovation provides an opportunity to improve both energy efficiency and sustainability at the same time.

Replacement of the heating system, study on lowering the temperature regime, evaluation of various technical renovation options, and integration of heat recovery and heat pump systems.

Role of Ingenium

Ingenium conducted a feasibility study that included the development of an energy model to estimate cooling and heating demand, the modeling of heat consumers for temperature reduction, a technical evaluation of renovation options, and scenario analysis.

Final result

• Techniques used
  : Energy modeling of cooling and heating demand, thermodynamic modeling of heat consumers, and multi-criteria scenario analysis.

• Key concepts
  Heat recovery from cooling systems and reversible air-to-water heat pumps for combined cooling and heating functions with reduced temperature settings.

• 
  evaluation criteria For each scenario, the following factors were assessed: investment cost, energy savings, maintenance costs, EPC rating, CO₂ emissions, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and space requirements.

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