Building heating systems are designed to provide sufficient heating for the coldest days of the year. So, for most parts, they are underutilized. Retrofitting thermal connections between nearby buildings leads to a more locally efficient use of energy, as the most efficient heating system(s) can supply heat to all buildings. These connected buildings with adapted control (dubbed a “nanoverbund”) can also offer greater flexibility to upper-layer distribution grid operators or energy providers. Especially in heterogeneous building energy systems, energy storage and conversion technologies can benefit all parties/stakeholders. A pilot site installation of three buildings in the city of Basel shall be operated by a flexibility-aware control scheme to demonstrate the potential of the nanoverbund concept. Additionally, a stakeholder ecosystem study is conducted to understand the key aspects of each party involved. The nanoverbund concept is especially applicable in cases where large, centralized distribution systems are unavailable. District heating relies on a central source and unidirectional heat flow, while nanoverbund allows bidirectional flows with prosumers. It can start small and grow, unlike centralized district systems that need large-scale planning from the start, potentially delaying setup. With such a decentralized, shared infrastructure, end users can access heat-as-a-service without owning a heat pump. This project is part of the SWEET PATHFNDR project portfolio, leveraging synergies in outcomes and findings.
