KOMEOS - Konzeption von Modellen multifunktionaler Energiezentren für die Ost-Steiermark

Within the region of East-Styria a variety of so-called regional multifunctional energy centers have been designed for selected location which can be characterized by generating renewable energy and additional products or services. Identification of optimum set-up of energy centers. General recommendation for implementation.

Short Description

Status

completed

Summary

Regional players within East-Styria have been contributing in the development and implementation of renewable energy for a long time. This fact is also indicated in the regional strategic target of East-Styria to become an EU Demo Region for Renewable Energy (Energieregion Oststeiermark). The project team was granted funds to design and evaluate models of regional multifunctional energy centres. The goals of the project were:

  • Design of different models for rural multifunctional energy centres which combine the generation of energy with added value (additional services or goods).
  • Models were on one hand adapted to the specific situation of East-Styria but on the other hand there was the requirement of transferability to other regions.
  • Evaluation of models from an economic and ecologic perspective.
  • Preparations of further implementation, contribution to the strategic focus of the region and general dissemination of results.

Four different locations (Gnas, St. Margarethen/ Raab, Friedberg/ Pinggau and Sebersdorf) were selected in East-Styria and the specific local situation and the regional resources availability surveyed. The designed models are linked to already existing infrastructure such as a biogas plant or a wood chip burner supplying a community heating system. Also the integration of local private sector enterprises was done in that way that the energy centre would meet the companies demand. This fact has to be born in mind especially if results are going to be transferred to other regions or boarder conditions.

For identifying the optimal solution of a multifunctional energy centre the methodology of process synthesis was utilised. This tool can model a pool of different resources in interaction with a set of technologies by optimising a target function like operative income.

As a result, there exists a set of optimum technology-pathways for given resources at different periods (e.g. summer, winter etc). The optimised model set-up is presented in a structure-graph which describes that operation mode which generates an optimum of creation of value of the entire chain involved.

Results indicate the key-role of the integration of heat or access heat at such centres which can be the starring point for various added value options. The drying of crops (such as oil seeds, cereals or maize) or the pressing of vegetable oil as well as the production of wood pellets on site are interesting options, which are seen as economical feasible even on smaller scale. Two case studies show the positive integration of local economy into the energy centre by providing process heat or cooling energy.

The evaluation of sustainability was done by using the sustainable production index (SPI). It was shown that all system solutions are characterised by a better "ecological footprint" than a stand alone implementation.

The transfer of results to other regions or location is in principle possible, but a basic check of the optimum is recommended due to different boarder conditions (availability of resources, specific local situation etc.). It is finally mentioned that modelling was done on the price status of Sept. 2007 for various in- and output goods (resources, energy, products etc). Also special national legal conditions like the Austrian Ökostromregelung, which regulates the revenues out of renewable power generation, were incorporated.

Project Partners

Project management

Bakk. Birgit Birnstingl-Gottinger
Ökocluster

Project or cooperation partner

  • Christian Luttenberger
    EU Regionalmanagement Oststeiermark
  • Bakk. Birgit Birnstingl-Gottinger
    ARGE Kreislaufwirtschaften mit Mischkulturen
  • Ing. Karl Puchas
    LEA Lokale Energieagentur
  • Ing. Leo Riebenbauer
    TB für erneuerbare Energie Riebenbauer
  • Dr. Christian Krotscheck
    Natan -Technisches Büro Krotscheck
  • Erwin Stubenschrott, Dr. Jauschnegg
    KWB Biomasseheizungen
  • Dipl.-Ing. Michael Mandl; Maximilian Lauer
    JOANNEUM RESEARCH Forschungsges. mbH
  • Prof. Dr. M. Narodoslawsky, DI Gernot Gwehenberger
    TU Graz, Institut für Prozesstechnik

Contact Address

Ökocluster
Bakk. Birgit Birnstingl-Gottinger
Steinberg 132, 8151 Hitzendorf
Tel.: +43 (316) 587-982
Fax: +43 (316) 587-988
E-Mail: birgit.birnstingl@oeko-cluster.at
Web: www.oeko-cluster.at