Optimisation of building services systems using dynamic simulations and model-based operational data analyses for the ZBG in Seestadt Aspern, Vienna

The demands placed on modern heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems have increased significantly in recent years. Regulatory and user-specific conditions are increasingly forcing designers to employ data-driven methods for optimising the design, sizing and operational management of building services systems. However, practical implementation is hampered by the high complexity of the systems and limited interoperability, meaning that conventional planning and development methods must be supplemented with new analytical tools. In this context, the combination of simulation-based design and data-driven operational optimisation represents a key factor for success. Within the project, this holistic approach is to be implemented for the first time for the planned central vocational school building in Seestadt Aspern, Vienna. Dynamic building and systems simulations are to be carried out to investigate and optimise thermal performance. The findings are to be used to inform the planning and design of the building services, as well as to establish the basis for operational management (control and regulation strategies, a digital twin to identify operational performance gaps, etc.). The project is divided into three main phases. Phase I focuses on the thermal behaviour of selected critical reference zones, specifying a heating and cooling distribution system and defined boundary conditions (pre-design phase). Phase II focuses on optimising the findings obtained in Phase I at a zonal level. In Phase III, the entire building complex is modelled, incorporating its finalised geometric structure, user behaviour and building services, and a dynamic building and systems simulation is carried out for the design.