Digital Twins and CFD simulations for accurate sensor positioning

Abstract. Building renovation to improve energy efficiency is crucial for reducing CO₂ emissions, aligning with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This task requires a holistic approach that encompasses retrofitting outdated systems, enhancing thermal insulation, and integrating renewable energy sources. Simulating different indoor environmental conditions and technological systems within Digital Twin (DT) before interventions is crucial for optimizing energy efficiency. Simulations can support the proper installation of heating and cooling devices and facilitate the deployment of advanced technologies, including smart Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, energy-efficient lighting, and automated energy management solutions. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in simulations allows for the precise sizing of HVAC systems, including heat pumps and related devices, by accurately modelling demand profiles and optimizing sensor placement based on the geometries of DTs.
This study, conducted as part of the Horizon Europe InCUBE project1, explores a real-world use-case at the Centro Servizi Culturali Santa Chiara in Trento, Italy. It introduces an innovative approach that integrates 3D surveying, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and digital twin (DT) geometries to enhance the analysis of indoor heat distribution. The proposed data-driven pipeline optimizes sensor placement within indoor spaces, ensuring precise system design, improving performance and energy efficiency, and minimizing energy waste while preventing the oversizing of technological systems.