Modelling Tool

MTRESS – Optimisation model for energy supply systems

Generic energy system modell MTRESS
The generic energy system model MTRESS is used to optimise external input data (shown in the flowchart as an example: Heat consumption and solar cadastre; left) are optimised and then results including analysis of the possible future performance/key figures of exemplary systems are determined (right).
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With the MTRESS simulation model (Model Template for Renewable Energy Supply Systems), the Institute of Networked Energy Systems has developed a tool that can be used to optimise energy supply systems for new and existing projects at any location. The model facilitates the optimisation of energy systems for individual residential and commercial buildings as well as for neighbourhoods and entire industrial properties. It enables users to include a wide range of influencing factors and energy options in the simulation and minimises the planning effort.

This generic energy system model enables planning agencies, local authorities, energy suppliers or research institutions to analyse heat requirements in buildings and neighbourhoods in order to derive options for action for an optimised future energy supply on the basis of this data. The integration of ground-mounted PV or hydrogen infrastructures is also possible.

MTRESS (Model Template for Renewable Energy Supply Systems) requires appropriately prepared initial data on the boundary conditions of the respective project. A wide range of data sources can be used for this purpose. These include historical energy consumption data for the project, but also higher-level data on the location, for example from climate models or the solar cadastre. Assumptions about the development of costs and the CO2-impact of the future energy mix can also be incorporated into the modelling.

The range of applications for MTRESS becomes apparent when looking at projects such as "Wärmewende Nordwest". Here, heat recovery from an urban wastewater network is also taken into account, as well as geological information, to estimate geothermal potential, for example. The corresponding energy demand is presented in the form of an energy quantity measurement, which is based on real data for areas measuring 500 by 500 metres. This enables energy suppliers to provide required quantities of energy both qualitatively and quantitatively in a precise manner in future energy systems.

As an open source model, MTRESS is available to users in a wide range of areas. It can be used for research purposes or integrated for use for commercial purposes. Planning agencies can work with it, it can be used to create municipal heating plans or be part of the offering of home automation developers.

More information

Departments, research groups and challenges related to the MTRESS model:

Department

Energy System Technology

The Energy Systems Technology department focuses on the interaction between system-relevant technologies within decentralised networked structures, particularly at the low-voltage and medium-voltage level.

Research group

Smart Energy Management

The Smart Energy Management research group develops methods and strategies to optimise the operation and design of future energy systems hand in hand.

Challenge

Balancing energy supply and demand

The simultaneity of electricity generation and consumption is the basis for a stable energy system. While fossil and nuclear power plants have so far been deployed according to demand, the dominant renewable energies in the electricity system are heavily dependent on weather - and therefore not available at any given time.

Contact

Smart Energy Management

Research Group
Institute of Networked Energy Systems