Electric heating by DEVI provides energy-efficient heating solution for near-zero energy housing complex

In 2017, a near-zero energy housing complex was developed in the Koblenz-Asterstein region of Germany, an area mandating energy-efficient, passive houses. The project involved constructing semi-detached homes, each approximately 90 square meters in size. To meet stringent energy efficiency standards, the builders evaluated various sustainable heating methods and ultimately selected DEVI's electric underfloor heating system, integrated with a photovoltaic (PV) system.

Challenge

Traditional perceptions often associate electric heating with high energy costs and environmental concerns. The primary challenge was to implement an electric heating solution that would be both energy-efficient and cost-effective, aligning with the passive house requirements of the region.

Solution

The chosen solution combined DEVI's electric underfloor heating mats with a rooftop PV system. Each home was equipped with DTCE 100T heating mats, controlled by DEVIreg Touch thermostats in every room. The heating mats were configured to provide an output of 35 W/m², while the PV system had a capacity of 5 kWp, complemented by a 5 kWh battery storage unit.

This integration allowed the homes to utilize self-generated solar energy for heating, significantly reducing reliance on external power sources. The system's design ensured rapid heating response times due to the lightweight floor construction, and room-specific thermostats offered precise temperature control, enhancing overall energy efficiency.

Outcome

The combination of DEVI's electric underfloor heating and the PV system resulted in homes that not only met but exceeded energy efficiency expectations. The annual electricity consumption for heating, hot water, lighting, and other uses was recorded at 5,948 kWh, with the PV system contributing 1,942 kWh of self-consumed energy. This setup effectively offset energy costs and, in some cases, allowed homeowners to generate surplus energy.

Elmar Härter, a Diploma Engineer at Härter Planungsbureau involved in the project, noted, "Heating with electric mats is only economical to operate if you build a building that has low energy costs. The high energy costs can be compensated by a photovoltaic system with storage." This case exemplifies how modern electric heating solutions, when paired with renewable energy sources, can provide sustainable and cost-effective heating in energy-efficient housing developments.