Electric heating by DEVI provides energy-efficient heating solution for near-zero energy housing complex

When builders were working on a near-zero energy housing complex in Koblenz, Germany, they needed an energy-efficient heating solution. After considering a range of sustainable heating methods, the builders chose Electric Heating by DEVI.  

The combination of electric floor heating and solar panels are an energy-efficient option for homeowners. Yes, the future is indeed electric, as this case from Koblenz, Germany shows.  

In 2017, work began on a housing complex in the Koblenz-Asterstein region of Germany. The semi-detached houses were to be built in an area that only permits energy-efficient, passive houses. To meet the area’s energy efficiency requirements, the builders investigated different energy sources to find the most energy-efficient option for the project. After considering the most sustainable heating methods available, the builder decided to use direct electrical floor heating with a photovoltaic system.  

Combination of electric floor heating and solar panels are  an energy-efficient option for homeowners, indicating the future is electric.

Project details 

Built: 2017 
Building type: Terraced housing, 90m2 
Products: DTCE 100T mats; DEVIreg Touch with Floor Sensor and Floor Thermostat for each room 
Heating output: Mats set to give 35W/m2 output (required calculated ~12 W/m2) 
Photovoltaic panels: 5 kWp 
Battery: 5 kWh 
 
Energy consumtion: 

Electricity consumption (heating, hot water, light, etc.): 5.948 kWh 
PV own consumption: 1.942 kWh 
 

According to Elmar Härter, Diploma Engineer at Härter Planungsbureau, who worked on the project, the combination of photovoltaic system and electric floor heating made the difference. “Heating with electric mats is only economical to operate if you build a building that has low energy costs,” he says. “The high energy costs can be compensated by a photovoltaic system with storage, as is the case with both houses. The calculations show that both houses are energy plus houses.” Energy plus buildings are buildings that generate more energy than they use on an annual basis. This is possible because the solar energy generated by the photovoltaic system is transformed into the electricity used to power the electric underfloor heating system, which heats each home.

Elmar Härter, Diploma Engineer at Härter Planungsbureau

While the building complex is not entirely self-sufficient, the building’s owner has the option of selling the photovoltaic electricity via the region’s feed-in remuneration system. This makes it possible to operate a passive house with very low energy costs. And the technology already exists to create a complete, self-sustaining home heating solution, as Elmar Härtner explains. “If we work with electricity-based systems that are then complemented with photovoltaic systems with storage, and properly managed, a homeowner can eventually also use the electricity they produce themselves over the course of the year.” 

The DEVI electric floor heating system offers residents a flexible heating solution with several advantages. Due to the lighter floor construction – when compared with hydronic underfloor heating, which requires thicker floors – the system warms up in less than 30 minutes. Room sensors further help to achieve the right comfort level in each room.  Residents can use the digital thermostat to regulate floor heating, including setting the optimal room temperature for the time of day.  
   

Electric floor heating offers benefits for building constructors, designers, owners and tenants. The lighter floor construction means lower installation costs and less complex planning. The cost savings extend over the lifetime of the heating solution, as unlike with hydronic underfloor heating, electric underfloor heating doesn’t need to be maintained annually. When combined with photovoltaics, electric heating is an ideal home heating solution for well-insulated new builds, benefitting residents and buildings owners alike. All of these advantages mean builders are increasingly turning to electric heating as an economically-viable, sustainable heating source. The future is indeed electric.