BestWärmKI: Optimal control for district heating with artificial intelligence

In our research project BestWärmKI, the goal is to improve the operation of heating networks through the innovative use of artificial intelligence. To achieve this, we are collaborating with our project partners SWW Wunsiedel GmbH, othermo GmbH, and the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS (Fraunhofer IIS). SWW Wunsiedel enables the testing and demonstration of the research results in their existing and currently planned heating networks. This allows the models used and methods developed to be validated and assessed based on their application under real-world conditions.

To achieve this, we combine the simulation models of our heatbeat Digital Twin, which is based on a physical description of the system, with the prediction models and optimization approaches of Fraunhofer IIS. This interplay between physical modeling and artificial intelligence creates an innovative approach to optimizing network operations. To achieve improvements in the real system using these digital methods, othermo GmbH makes an important contribution to the project by digitizing and connecting measurement and control signals. This collaboration among all project partners enables the practical application of innovative digital control methods and highlights potential savings in the demonstration networks.