Schaffhausen: Multi-Energy District Concept for Automated Urban Energy Optimization

Company details

Sympheny is a leading energy system optimization platform that enables automated design and operation of complex multi-energy networks through advanced mathematical modeling and AI-driven decision support.

The challenge

Schaffhausen sought to develop a next-generation district energy system that could efficiently integrate multiple renewable energy sources, at multiple heat injection points, while minimizing planning complexity and operational overhead. The design faced several interconnected challenges:

• Complex multi-source integration: Optimizing the combination of solar thermal collectors, wood biomass plants, and heat pump systems across varying demand profiles and seasonal patterns.
• Network topology optimization: Designing an efficient distribution network with multiple heat injection points and meshed thermal flows to ensure reliability and minimize losses.
• Operational complexity: Managing the coordination of multiple energy sources and distribution points without overwhelming municipal technical resources.

Traditional energy planning approaches lacked the computational sophistication needed to automatically optimize such complex multi-energy systems at district scale.

The solution

Planeto partnered with Sympheny to create a revolutionary automated optimization pipeline that transforms how multi-energy districts are planned and operated. Our integrated approach combined:

1. Intelligent geospatial analysis

TESSA's advanced clustering algorithms mapped optimal network topology across Schaffhausen's 349-building portfolio, identifying strategic locations for multiple heat injection points and designing the meshed thermal distribution network.

2. Multi-energy hub optimization

Using TESSA, Sympheny optimized the integration of solar thermal collectors, wood biomass systems, and heat pump technologies, determining optimal sizing, dispatch strategies, and operational parameters for each energy source.

3. Automated pipeline development

With TESSA, Sympheny created an automated workflow for urban energy supply and distribution optimization, dramatically reducing planning time while improving system performance.

4. Phased implementation strategy

The initial phase focused on 180 buildings connected via 5.8 km of optimized pipeline infrastructure, providing a validated foundation for full district rollout.

5. Meshed network design

Multiple heat injection points with intelligent thermal flow management ensure system resilience and enable optimal utilization of diverse energy sources based on real-time demand and availability.

The results

This approach demonstrates how automation can unlock the full potential of complex multi-energy systems, making sophisticated district heating accessible to municipalities while maximizing renewable energy integration and operational efficiency.