At the Heat Pump Conference (HPC) 2026, Prof. Dr. Lieve Helsen from KU Leuven’s Thermal Systems Simulation (SySi) Team presented the keynote “When systems connect – integration makes the difference and physics makes the intelligence” during the session “Heat pumps in high-density urban areas.” The presentation highlighted how advanced system integration and physics-based intelligence can unlock the full potential of heat pumps in the transition towards carbon-neutral cities.
Heat pumps are expected to play a central role in decarbonising the built environment, thanks to their ability to efficiently use renewable electricity and residual energy sources. However, their large-scale deployment in urban areas comes with important challenges, including limited space, grid constraints, noise regulations and the complexity of integrating different energy sources. These challenges require new approaches that move beyond individual solutions towards smart, flexible and interconnected energy systems.
The keynote emphasised the importance of system integration as a key enabler for future heating and cooling networks. Innovative concepts such as fourth- and fifth-generation district heating and cooling (4GDH and 5GDHC) networks, hybrid heat and cold production systems, thermal storage and local energy exchange can significantly improve efficiency and flexibility. To operate these complex systems effectively, advanced control strategies are essential.
Physics-based Model Predictive Control (MPC) was presented as a powerful system integrator that combines detailed system models, real-time measurements and forecasts to optimise future operation. By exploiting flexibility available in buildings, thermal networks, heat pumps and storage systems, MPC can reduce energy use and operational costs while maintaining high levels of thermal comfort.
The keynote showcased several practical applications where physics-based MPC enables smarter energy management, including a fully renewable small-scale 4th generation thermal network in a heritage context, a mixed-use neutral-temperature thermal network, and a multi-energy vector energy cluster. These examples demonstrate how combining renewable energy technologies, digital intelligence and system integration can accelerate the transition towards resilient and sustainable urban energy systems.