A case study of a microgrid for a nearly zero-energy refurbished isolated house

Buildings and houses represent the largest energy- consuming sector, making energy efficiency a paramount concern in renovation projects. Building automation, coupled with redesigned electrical and thermal systems, offers significant potential for energy savings, improved comfort, and enhanced functionality. Recent policies have introduced the Nearly Zero-Energy Building (NZEB) standard, challenging us to develop refurbishment models that achieve NZEB qualification while addressing the technical and economic constraints of existing buildings. The use of renewables, storage, and high-efficiency automation systems are most readily applicable for isolated houses and villas where a microgrid that integrates all the technologies can be implemented. This article presents a model applicable to older houses, illustrated by a case study of an isolated residential unit (IRU) located in the south of Italy. Using a digital modelling design software, the digital twin of the building was created, through which an energy analysis was carried out; subsequently, the model was used as an operational graphical interface in the management of the microgrid using the building automation system (BACS).