Digitalization of an energy system – what does that really mean? Is it enough to add some sensors, and then consider the system being smart? Behind these questions lies a possible shift in how we look at digitalization: through the lens of problem-solving. In that way digitalization is seen as a tool rather than as a goal in itself. This might support the emergence of innovative technical solutions and business models for our current and future challenges.
When it comes to heat pumps, digitalization can enable exploitation of synergies with other components of urban energy systems, and in that way couple the heating and cooling to other sectors in a more efficient way. Such systems’ integration might lead to higher efficiency and that operating costs are decreased. Digitalization might be what is needed to push the innovation in the mature technology that heat pumping is, overcoming current financial barriers for its further development.
Hatef Madani,
Associate Professor, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden
Senior Scientist, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Austria
The text is shortened by the HPC team
Read the full text in the HPT Magazine here.