ARVI

Indoor space cooling can pose challenges, especially in regions with warm, non-windy climates.

 

Thanks to the installation of an open-loop geo-exchange plant and solar panels, the community of Arvi can now enjoy cooler public and private buildings while significantly reducing their utility expenses.

Contacts

Indoor space cooling can pose challenges, especially in regions with warm, non-windy climates.

 

Thanks to the installation of an open-loop geo-exchange plant and solar panels, the community of Arvi can now enjoy cooler public and private buildings while significantly reducing their utility expenses.

About ARVI

Arvi is situated on the southern coast of Crete, in the eastern part of the Heraklion Prefecture. It enjoys a warm climate thanks to surrounding mountains that act as windbreakers and create a sheltered valley facing south.

This advantageous climate makes Arvi one of Crete’s main agricultural regions, with thousands of hectares of greenhouses that remain productive even during winter.  Despite its rural and relatively isolated location, Arvi is home to 400 permanent residents, primarily connected to its agricultural activities.

The community’s need

The settlement of Arvi has an extensive need for indoor space cooling, required for approximately 9 months per year.

Our solution

Arvi’s proximity to the seashore makes it ideal for installing an open-loop geo-exchange plant and a district cooling hydraulic network.  During summer, heat from air-conditioned indoor spaces can be used to produce domestic hot water using decentralised heat recovery systems.  Moreover, abundant solar potential allows for electricity production using photovoltaics, compensating for the annual electricity consumption of participating users.

The electricity consumption of the community members will be offset by energy production.  In conclusion, Arvi residents will benefit from a more efficient indoor space air-conditioning system, leading to a 70% reduction in electricity bills for all their electricity needs.

Community composition

20 residential apartments

Benefits

Reduction of 40-50% in electricity consumption for indoor space heating and cooling

70% reduction in electricity bill expenses