Devising a Framework for Virtual PED Labs: Classification to Identify the Potential Scalability of PED Cases

Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) represent a promising approach to achieving goals towards neutral cities and reducing the negative environmental impact of climate change through the surplus of local renewable energy generation. In this way, PED Laboratories are testing platforms for small or medium-scale experimentation, which follow an integrative approach including technology, spatial, regulatory, financial, legal, social and economic perspectives. As a core part, we can define the Virtual PED Laboratories (VPED-Labs) that encompass the set of virtual features and tools to demonstrate, analyse, monitor and manage new technologies and solutions that can be adopted in a specific urban context to achieve PED objectives. In this paper, a framework for the VPEDLabs is proposed that fosters a data-driven, proactive planning process that is well-suited to the demands of PEDs. It includes definitions, classification criteria, components and the description of main tools according to functionalities, technologies and stakeholders. The main characteristics of a European district as a case study are analysed to highlight the importance of monitoring and controlling systems to manage the demands and production of energy.