QUARTHERM: simulate the thermal needs of a neighbourhood

QUARTHERM is one of 31 projects selected in the extraordinary HES-SO call for projects in the «Innovation, competitiveness and sustainability» thematic area. It is being carried out by HEPIA in partnership with Amstein & Walthert Genève SA and aims to support the energy transition in Switzerland by developing an integrated tool for simulating thermal load curves (heating and cooling) on a neighbourhood scale.

The project is part of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy's Heat Strategy 2050, which aims to achieve a carbon-neutral heat supply. In Switzerland, heat accounts for around 50% of energy consumption and more than 35% of CO₂ emissions. The densification of thermal networks is therefore an essential lever for decarbonisation.

QUARTHERM is based on the CitySim® tool, recognised for its ability to model the hourly energy requirements of buildings according to validated physical principles. The project has enhanced this tool by developing an automated processing chain comprising the extraction of 3D models, the association of data from the Federal Register of Buildings and Dwellings (RegBL), the generation of XML files for simulation, and the creation of a simplified user interface via ArcGIS.

Deliverables include:

• A typological grid of buildings according to their use, period and architecture.
• Python scripts to automate data processing.
• A graphical interface to facilitate use by energy consultants.
• A test dataset for one district.

The project simulates current and future energy scenarios (up to 2050), incorporating current standards, and validates the results by comparison with actual monitoring data. It is applicable to both new and existing buildings.

QUARTHERM offers a powerful tool for regional energy planning, accessible to professionals and adaptable to changes in climate and technology.