Advanced System Technology branch AST of Fraunhofer IOSB
The aim of the ‘ODH@ Bochum-Weitmar’ research project is to develop an ICT ecosystem for the implementation of cross-sectoral energy systems at neighbourhood level. The technologies – an integrated neighbourhood planning system, a digital market platform and a self-learning energy management system – will be implemented and supported by an interoperable, scalable middleware platform and automated learning processes. To demonstrate integrated planning and a reliable energy supply that is both economically and environmentally optimal, the tools developed will be implemented in the Bochum-Weitmar district as part of the forthcoming construction works.
The project
The site is situated in the Weitmar district in the south-west of the city of Bochum and comprises five neighbourhoods. Vonovia owns 232 blocks of flats here, built in the 1950s and 1960s, comprising over 1,500 flats. In addition, there is a portfolio of terraced houses that are privately owned. Over the coming years, Vonovia plans to gradually renovate the neighbourhoods, in conjunction with redensification and the addition of extra storeys to existing buildings to create new living space.
The neighbourhood, with its specific circumstances (buildings from the 1950s and 1960s in urgent need of refurbishment, parking shortages, ownership structures, etc.), is a good example of many other neighbourhoods and housing estates in Germany, as well as for Vonovia.
Our solutions
As part of a holistic neighbourhood development approach, the focus is not only on the modernisation and energy-efficient refurbishment of buildings, but also on the implementation of optimised energy supply strategies and new mobility concepts within the neighbourhood. The development and implementation of integrated neighbourhood solutions are supported by social measures.
- Development of holistic, sustainable solutions for existing neighbourhoods to create economical, decentralised energy supply solutions
- Optimising energy efficiency and upgrading existing properties whilst ensuring that tenants’ rent inclusive of heating costs remains unchanged
- Development, evaluation and trialling of integrated neighbourhood solutions comprising regeneration, energy supply and mobility concepts, and selected business models
- Aligning neighbourhood plans with residents’ needs and behaviour in order to foster acceptance
The project focuses on the development and testing of several key components, including:
- Self-learning energy management system (SEMS) for optimising energy efficiency
- A digital marketplace featuring new business models to develop economic and environmental solutions for the neighbourhood
- Integrated neighbourhood planning system, i.e. a planning tool for the planning and implementation of optimised neighbourhood concepts
- ICT ecosystem: integrating the components into a single system
