Analysis and Forecasting of Energy Consumption of Innovative Heating and Cooling Generation Systems in Existing Healthcare Facilities

Italian healthcare facilities are generally obsolete and energy-intensive buildings. It is essential to employ advanced technologies and predictive energy consumption estimates to optimize the use of energy resources, prevent inefficiencies and ensure continuous and high-quality service. This study describes the interventions aimed at energy saving in a group of 13 healthcare facilities managed by the Azienda USL Toscana Nord-Ovest, through the modernization of heat generation and cooling systems and the implementation of an advanced energy management system, within the framework of an Energy Performance Contract. This system is based on a large network of sensors, controllers, servers and a centralized control center, allowing remote and real-time management of energy production and distribution systems. An adaptive data-driven Grey-box model is being developed and is planned for implementation by the University of Pisa to identify the major sources of energy consumption in order to optimize energy performance. The results show a significant reduction in overall thermal and electrical consumption: after just one year, a 40% reduction was recorded compared to previous levels. The improvement interventions and the integrated remote management system have also led to increased environmental sustainability of the facilities, with a 41% reduction in CO2 emissions. The application of a centralized energy control system on large, complex and distributed facilities on such a vast territory represents is unprecedented in Europe. The results demonstrate the potential of this approach for improving energy efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of large-scale healthcare facilities.