immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Softwarelösung

  • Swiss start-up supports the development of digital energy communities

    Swiss start-up supports the development of digital energy communities

    The Zurich-based start-up Exnaton is teaming up with the German software manufacturer SAP, based in Walldorf, to operate the SAP Energy Community in the SAP Energy Park. The SAP Energy Community allows buildings and employees to produce, store and trade renewable energy with each other. The initiative focuses on the S.MART Shop, a space equipped with solar panels, EV chargers and a battery system that enables renewable energy trading on the SAP campus.

    Exnaton supports the programme with its energy sharing software solutions, which simplify registration with a user-friendly interface and enable users to manage, consume and trade energy together. Real-time data from SAP dashboards, combined with Exnaton software, enables energy to be sold when market conditions are favourable and stored for future use. The energy community dashboard, which provides real-time insights into consumption, production and energy trading and serves as a communication channel for sustainability programmes, is also operated by Exnaton. The SAP Energy Community leads to cost savings through optimised energy use, reduced CO2 emissions and increased resilience thanks to decentralised energy production and storage.

    In view of stricter German energy legislation from 2026, the project in Walldorf can serve as a model for other energy sharing projects. “The SAP Energy Community is central to establishing a standard model for energy sharing in Germany,” said Anselma Wörner, co-founder and COO of exnaton, in the press release. “With our experience from international energy communities, we are proud to support SAP in turning this vision into a scalable, practical solution.”

    Founded in 2020, exnaton AG is a spin-off of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich.

  • ETH Zurich provides the key to the energy transition in the power grid

    ETH Zurich provides the key to the energy transition in the power grid

    Europe’s electricity grid is based on alternating current and a precise rhythm that was previously dictated by large power plants with heavy turbines. With the phasing out of coal and nuclear power, these clock generators are increasingly disappearing. What sounds like a technical side note is actually a key challenge of the energy transition. Without a stable frequency, there is a risk of power outages and system instability.

    Because wind and solar systems supply direct current, inverters are needed to convert this into alternating current that is compatible with the grid. Until now, these have passively followed the existing cycle. However, with the elimination of traditional power plants, a paradigm shift is needed. In the future, inverters will have to be grid-forming themselves, a challenge that ETH Zurich has successfully met.

    Algorithm instead of shutdown
    Under the leadership of Prof Florian Dörfler, a research team at ETH Zurich has developed a revolutionary control system for inverters. This prevents systems from switching off automatically in the event of grid faults such as voltage dips. Instead, they remain connected to the grid, actively stabilise the frequency and independently limit their power output. A protective mechanism that avoids overloads and supports the grid at the same time.

    The solution is purely software-based and therefore directly suitable for industrial use. Initial practical tests in the laboratory have been successful. A patent application has been filed for the new algorithms and they could soon be integrated into industrial control systems.

    Roadmap for the energy transition
    ETH’s innovative approach has the potential to become the backbone of the future power supply. Decentralised, flexible, stable, an electricity grid that is no longer supported by a few large central power plants, but by thousands of intelligently controlled solar and wind power plants.

    Industrial partners are invited to work together with ETH students on the realisation, for example through Master’s theses in companies. This creates a direct transfer of knowledge from research to industry and ultimately to Europe’s electricity grids.

    The contribution to the energy transition is considerable. The solution increases grid security, reduces the risk of blackouts and makes the transition to renewable energies technically feasible. A key building block for a resilient, sustainable energy future.

  • Scandens is successful with software for refurbishments

    Scandens is successful with software for refurbishments

    Scandens, a spin-off of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH), launched a software solution in June 2023 that optimises remediation planning. According to a press release, the first seven months have been successful. It has been used to analyse and optimise 274 properties. Housing cooperatives, planning offices, real estate companies, architects and insurance companies are expected to save CHF 42 million in costs and 116,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide over a period of 25 years.

    The web-based software combines artificial intelligence with building modelling and life cycle cost calculations. It can be used to automate data collection, feasibility checks, component planning and component design as well as profitability calculations and CO2 balancing, including grey emissions.

    The software has been well received by energy consultants and building owners. They use the tool for holistic, rapid planning of refurbishment projects. These can be implemented more efficiently and cost-effectively, which contributes to an increase in the renovation rate, as Diego Sigrist, co-founder of Scandens, is quoted in the press release.

    The ETH spin-off is supported by the Migros Pioneer Fund and was founded with the aim of making energy-efficient building refurbishments simpler and more cost-effective, thereby promoting the shift towards greater sustainability in the construction sector.

  • NeoVac uses the app from eCarUp for charging stations

    NeoVac uses the app from eCarUp for charging stations

    NeoVac now uses the NeoVac my Charge app to bill the consumption-based costs for e-charging stations in apartment buildings and areas. According to a media release , the specialist for building and environmental technology based in Oberriet is reacting to the increasing demand for e-charging stations in buildings.

    The app was developed by eCarUp AG from Zug. The young company offers a comprehensive software solution for setting up charging infrastructure. Its backend enables billing, monitoring, load management and maintenance of e-charging stations.

    With its Switzerland-wide service network, NeoVac prepares the consumption-based energy and water bills for over 400,000 apartments every year. The Rheintaler company has set itself the goal of offering a solution for every billing-relevant measuring point in a building. "The number of new registrations of electric vehicles is increasing significantly and tenants are asking for more and more charging options," says Pascal Welti, Head of Energy Consulting at NeoVac. That's why his company has now launched an app for it.

    It enables drivers of electric cars to activate charging stations and pay for the electricity they use. In addition, the charging data is transferred directly to the NeoVac myEnergy app. There, users receive an overview of their personal consumption and a directly accessible energy cost bill.

    NeoVac also offers complete solutions for e-mobility infrastructure projects with a nationwide sales and service network. In addition, charging stations could "also be controlled depending on the PV system, battery storage or heat pump". This increases self-consumption and the profitability of photovoltaic systems.