Low-temperature Heating and Cooling Grids Based on Shallow Geothermal Methods for Urban Areas

Abstract

Low temperature heating and cooling (LTHC) grids are innovative approaches to meet the heating and cooling demand especially in urban areas. In October 2018 the authors started the interdisciplinary applied research project “Smart Anergy Quarter Baden” (SANBA), with the aim of developing a LTHC grid for the former military camp “Martinek-Kaserne” in the City of Baden south of Vienna, which was abandoned in 2014 and for which there are plans to develop a new urban mixed-use quarter. The main challenge for this project is the condition of the buildings which date back to the 1930s and which are protected by cultural heritage. The need for refurbishment of the buildings is given regardless of their future use. The refurbishment of the buildings that they are suitable for a low-temperature heating and cooling distribution system is a new aspect for the owner, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Defence. Key elements for the LTHC grid are the use of industrial low-temperature waste heat from processes in the neighbouring NÖM dairy plant as well as the development of refurbishment and conversion concepts for the protected buildings.