Asset & Context
For the data center of NorthC Deutschland GmbH in Munich, an energy efficiency project was initiated under the Wettbewerb Energieeffizienz.
The asset is characterized by a typical high and dynamic energy demand for cooling, including pronounced peak loads.
The owner’s key challenges included:
- Reduction of peak loads and associated energy costs
- Increasing operational flexibility of the cooling system
- Identification of economically viable and funding-eligible efficiency measures
- Establishing a robust basis for investment decisions
b) Strategic & Execution
Within the project, Winfried Haas, acting as a certified BAFA expert, developed a structured energy efficiency concept (Expert Report).
The core Demand Side Management (DSM) Measure is the retrofit of a Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system in the form of a chilled water storage (heattank). This measure directly enables peak load reduction by decoupling cooling generation from demand and actively smoothing load profiles.
Scope of services included:
- Analysis of the existing cooling system and load profiles
- Identification of Cooling Load reduction potentials
- Technical and energetic design of the TES as the central DSM measure
- Development of an integrated, funding-eligible concept as part of a Building efficiency retrofit
- Economic evaluation of the measure
- Preparation of the Expert Report as the basis for funding application under the Energy Efficiency Competition
Outcome & Value
The developed concept demonstrates a clear and technically robust solution for significant peak load reduction and improved efficiency of the cooling system.
Key benefits for the asset owner include:
- Sustainable peak load reduction and optimized energy use
- Increased efficiency and operational flexibility of the cooling system
- Enhanced capability for grid-supportive operation strategies
- Eligibility for funding based on a structured and auditable concept
- A solid decision-making foundation for future energy infrastructure investments
The project illustrates how a targeted Demand Side Management (DSM) Measure—specifically the TES retrofit—can unlock both economic and systemic efficiency gains in energy-intensive data center environments.
