Panasonic unveils first smart city in Berlin

Source: Sandra Enkhardt · PV-MAGAZINE · | July 3, 2020

A new project in the German capital combines a range of intelligent energy solutions, including PV systems, storage tanks, and air-to-water heat pumps integrated into an efficient energy management system.

Image: Panasonic

“Future Living,” the first smart-city quarter in Berlin, combines sustainable and digitally networked living in the city’s Adlershof tech-research district.

Panasonic supplied some of the key components for the project, which uses PV systems, storage tanks, and air-to-water heat pumps, among other technologies. It was completed in the spring, with 90 apartments and 10 commercial units spanning an area of more than 7.6 square kilometers.

Powered by solar energy, the air-to-water heat pumps are used for space and water heating. In order to increase performance, the heat pumps feature a cloud-based connection option for installers. This saves additional CO2 emissions, as maintenance visits can be organized more efficiently. In some cases, remote maintenance is possible.

Panasonic also continues to optimize its energy management system. “The solution was developed with leading research partners here in Germany for decentralized energy management,” said Ralf Becker, project manager of the energy group of Panasonic’s research and development team in Europe. “In simulations together with university test laboratories, we have achieved an improvement in energy use of up to 15%.”

The Japanese company is currently enjoying strong sales growth in the European energy sector. In the air-to-water heat pump segment, it has achieved double-digit growth over the past 10 years.