High urban density and the challenges posed by climate change result in specific requirements on urban infrastructure. Such challenges can, in part, be met by innovative technologies - such as a vertical treatment plant.
The overall objective of the VertiKKA project consists in the development of an innovative technological approach to increasing urban energetic, spatial and resource-driven efficiencies and to improved quality of life and climate protection. Low-maintenance, self-controlling green modules with integrated photovoltaic elements for use on façades of buildings are the focus of the R&D activities of this project. Related concepts and elements are being developed, in an exemplary way, for a district of the City of Cologne/Gemany.
Two departments of ifak are involved in this highly interdisciplinary project: The Department "Measurement Technology & Power Electronics" developes a sensor concept appropriate to gain information on soil and substrate of such vertical façade elements, whilst ifak's "Water & Energy" Department develops a control concept utilizing such information for efficient operation of such elements. This is complemented by a modelling concept for simulation and visualisation of the relevant resource, water and energy fluxes of these elements.
