An Energy Box in a District Heating Network

The two-storey buildings have a very low energy consumption (to passive house standard with only 1.5l/m² of energy required, which is approx 3,400kW per year per building).

The houses are timber frame constructions equipped with modern power systems. In order to blend in with the existing buildings, the Energy Box was painted red - an choice open to every customer thanks to the bespoke options offered by ÖkoFEN, not only for paintwork but also for Energy Box layout and size. Indeed, this opens up the possibility of using the Energy Box in a much broader range of situations, particularly where the challenge is to integrate the Energy Box into a sensitive environment.

The solar systems on each roof provide both hot water and solar electricity. Each house has 6m² of solar collectors to provide hot water, and the solar system is integrated with the central heating. Additionally, each house has 9kW of photovoltaic collector area. The remainder of the houses' heating needs will be met by the ÖkoFEN energy box with a capacity of 32 kW.

The Solarcomplex contractor is responsible for the provision of the district heating network to the inhabitants. Each customer pays a basic annual standing charge, and a variable amount depending on their energy consumption. In this way, the installation cost of the solar installation and the wood pellet heating system is shared between all the households.

In Engen we see a new concept in which the residents energy needs are fulfilled in an economical and environmental way. The use of a network between several houses optimizes the use of the heating system, avoiding unnecessary duplicate boiler installations and saving money.