TGA Simulation Reveals Potential for Optimization

The Timber Marina Tower, 113 meters tall, 45,400 square meters. Heating, cooling, and recooling are provided by water from the Danube.

The system is complex: approximately 20 HVAC units, suspended heating/cooling sails, and several mechanical plant rooms. These systems were designed for maximum static loads.

The Design Question

It needed to be determined whether these peak conditions actually occur simultaneously under real-world Viennese climate, usage, and operating conditions—or whether the systems were oversized.

This can only be answered by analyzing actual annual operation.

From the Planning Stage to the Digital Twin

OPTIMUSE linked more than 100 documents, 43 plans, as well as BIM, load, and building services data into a digital twin. Geometry, systems, usage, loads, climate data, and control systems were consolidated into a single model.

Annual operation was then simulated based on this model: heating and cooling loads were calculated over a full year, including simultaneity, shading, heat recovery, and operating hours.

The simulated peak loads and comfort conditions during operating hours were evaluated and prepared as CAPEX potential for the bid.

A peak lasting 11 hours

The cooling demand exceeds 2.4 MW for only 11 hours per year. A significant portion of the system’s capacity was designed to handle these hours.

The dynamic simulation replaces the theoretical design scenario with actual building loads occurring simultaneously. This allows for a smaller-scale system to be specified in the bid without altering comfort levels or the energy concept.

Comfort conditions are maintained during the defined operating hours. Danube water, heat recovery, and PV remain unchanged. Additional potential lies in coils, piping, and heat exchangers.