The B4Heat-IT project, supported through funding from ACCIÓ‘s Green 2024 programme, was launched with the objective of significantly reducing the energy consumption of the BLOC4BCN building, following an approach grounded in energy efficiency and sustainability.

Within this framework, Aiguasol has led the design of an intelligent control tool to optimise the building’s HVAC systems. Our work has focused on minimising the facility’s energy dependence and environmental impact while ensuring maximum occupant comfort at all times. To achieve this, we carried out audits, data analyses, and advanced modelling of both the building and its HVAC systems.

The challenge: balancing comfort and energy consumption

Through audits and user surveys conducted at Bloc4, the initial assessment revealed significant room for improvement in the building’s temperature management. The HVAC control system was not adequately aligned with the actual needs of the different spaces, resulting in periods of excessive cooling during summer and overheating in winter. This led to occupant discomfort and unnecessary energy expenditure.

To address these issues, we implemented a range of optimisation strategies aimed at delivering cost savings, reducing emissions, and improving thermal comfort. The main actions included:

• Advanced Monitoring: We enhanced the building management system (SCADA) by integrating new variables and enabling remote access and analysis of historical energy consumption data.
• Model-Based Optimisation: We developed advanced models of the building and its HVAC systems, enabling us to optimise control parameters and reduce energy consumption while maintaining—and even improving—occupant comfort conditions. Among other measures, this optimisation resulted in the intelligent and coordinated operation of the heat pumps (geothermal and aerothermal), prioritising at all times the technology with the highest efficiency. It also enabled the use of free cooling (using outdoor air for cooling) and the implementation of start-up and shutdown schedules that take advantage of the building’s thermal inertia.
• Solar Energy Integration: We worked to increase demand flexibility and maximise on-site photovoltaic self-consumption, thereby mitigating the impact of electricity price volatility.

Beyond technology: the importance of operation and maintenance

The B4Heat-IT project highlights a clear lesson: having efficient equipment is only the starting point. Even the newest facilities equipped with state-of-the-art technologies have significant room for improvement if operation and maintenance do not receive the attention they require. It is in this often overlooked phase that a substantial part of a building’s actual performance is determined.

To consolidate the results achieved, we recommend continuing to optimise control parameters, implementing predictive control strategies, and establishing the tools and procedures necessary to ensure appropriate monitoring and maintenance of the installation.