synGHD – Synthetic load profiles for efficient planning of energy-supply to non-residential buildings

Incorrect assumptions about energy usage and the amortization of energy-saving  measures lead to inefficiencies in Germany's energy distribution system. This is often due to the unsuitable choice of plant technology, incorrect measurement or inadequate regulation strategies. Frequently updated and differentiated energy consumption  profiles can form the basis for better planning and more efficient operation of energy supply technologies. The aim of this project was to create such load profiles for the commercial, trade and services (CTS) sector.

The project was led by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE and implemented by adelphi together with other research institutions, associations, public utilities and industrial partners. The specific goals of the synGHD project were:

• Creation of an algorithm that generates individualized load profiles for electricity, gas and heating/air-conditioning with prompt and regular updating. These can be further developed for particular subdivisions within the CTS sector by using less information about the object.
• Analysis of load data and advancement of transparency of energy usage among industries and project participants
• Continuously bridging the knowledge gap in research on sectoral energy consumption  

An essential part of the project was the analysis of over 300 load curve data gathered by the project partners. The project team evaluated this using data mining methods and identifies representative objects and load profiles. adelphi was responsible for the hotel and restaurant industry segment and draws on experience gained from the long-standing energy campaign for the German Hotel and Restaurant Association.

Over the course of the project, an online tool was developed that generates individualized, high-resolution load profiles. This ensured better decision-making during the planning of supply technology in buildings. Improved load profiles enabled the CTS sector to enhance both energy and economic efficiency and to raise the level of scientific studies. At the same time, the potential for incorporating renewable energy technologies were better and more affordably assessed. This online tool was a further development of the synPRO load generator for households and districts created by Fraunhofer ISE (see www.elink.tools).