Olivier Lecoq, an engineer by training, is currently the Surface Product Manager at Celsius Energy. With a strong background as a construction engineer and project manager at SLB, Olivier has taken on various roles at Celsius, including Geothermal Project Manager and Head of Local Technical and Building Operations (R&D + Operations). In this interview, he shares insights into the meticulous process of sizing the technical room, a critical element of Celsius Energy’s innovative solutions.
The technical room is a critical component of your solution. Can you explain how it is designed?
The design of a technical room follows a three-step process. The first step is to thoroughly assess the operational needs of the building it will serve. These typically include heating, air conditioning, and hot sanitary water—services common to most buildings, but specific requirements vary based on usage patterns.
The second stage involves analyzing the energy demand associated with these needs. This requires an in-depth analysis to predict the energy demand for every hour of the year. For instance, we calculate the power demand at specific times, such as February 26 at 2 PM. To achieve this level of precision, we create a dynamic model of the building to simulate its energy needs on an hourly basis throughout the year.
What data is utilized in this process?
The data we use depends on the status of the building. For existing structures, utility bills are invaluable. They provide insights into energy consumption trends, such as higher usage during colder months, which can then be distributed across the year to develop a realistic usage model. In some cases, thermal meters provide real-time data on the building’s energy usage, offering a highly accurate trace of its specific needs.
When neither historical utility bills nor meters are available, we perform a dynamic thermal simulation. This process reconstructs the building’s behavior in specialized software, taking into account factors such as the efficiency of materials used in construction and the occupancy patterns of its inhabitants.
After collecting and analyzing data, what are the next steps?
Once we have a clear understanding of the building’s energy needs, our subsurface team—comprising geologists and hydrogeologists—assesses the characteristics of the soil where the project will be implemented. This analysis identifies the physicochemical properties of the subsoil, evaluates any potential drilling challenges, and determines the depth and number of geothermal probes required for the project.
Armed with a comprehensive understanding of both the building and the subsoil, we use sophisticated internal software to determine the appropriate geoenergy coverage required for heating, air conditioning, and hot sanitary water. The software also helps us select any necessary backup systems and calculate the overall energy performance of the solution.
Can the sizing be adapted to meet specific client challenges?
Flexibility is at the heart of Celsius Energy’s approach, as addressing client challenges is essential. Many clients prioritize reducing their environmental impact, and the CO2 emissions of our system are often a key comparison point. Additionally, we ensure that our solutions comply with regulatory frameworks such as the Tertiary Decree and RE2020, which focus on minimizing energy consumption.
Reducing energy bills is another critical factor. By combining these priorities—carbon footprint, energy usage, and cost savings—we tailor each project to meet client needs. Furthermore, the investment return period plays a pivotal role in determining the choice of technology and energy coverage rate.
Does the chosen solution integrate all these parameters?
Absolutely. Once we fully understand the client’s needs, the subsoil, and the building dynamics, we design what we call the “box.” This technical room typically includes a geothermal heat pump, which may be supplemented by backup systems such as an aerothermal heat pump or a gas boiler.
Our proprietary software calculates the optimal power of the heat pump, the number of probes required, and the energy coverage needed to meet the client’s expectations. This comprehensive approach ensures that the final solution is financially viable, technically robust, and energetically efficient.
Can a solution implemented be replicated for other projects?
Scalability is central to Celsius Energy’s mission. What sets us apart from competitors is our ability to standardize and industrialize technical solutions while tailoring them to meet the unique needs of different buildings.
Our expertise in designing and refining solutions allows us to deliver unmatched reliability and performance. By continuously refining our models and incorporating feedback from operational projects, we ensure that our solutions remain robust, reliable, and adaptable. This focus on standardization not only enhances replicability but also enables us to provide clients with consistently high-quality, well-tested solutions.
This personalized approach ensures every Celsius Energy solution delivers optimal performance tailored to each client's specific goals.
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