Optimization of Low-Temperature District Heating Networks by Boosting Supply Temperature

What is it about?

- The dimensioning of low-temperature District Heating (DH) piping networks with a control philosophy of supplying heat at low temperatures regularly but boosting the supply temperature in the cold winter periods. - The analysis of the performance of existing radiators that were previously oversized and using the results to evaluate the piping network of the low-temperature DH system. - The reduction in the mass flow rate requirement of a district by increasing the supply temperature in cold periods, resulting in a significant reduction in heat loss from the DH network. - The optimization method for low-temperature DH networks, considering factors such as the capacity of existing radiators, current heating requirements, and radiator sizing standards. - The use of an implicit model based on the log mean temperature difference (LMTD) to find the return temperature as a function of the supply temperature.

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Photo by Gary Fultz on Unsplash

Photo by Gary Fultz on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Importance and Novelty of the Publication: - The publication introduces a method for dimensioning low-temperature District Heating (DH) piping networks that operate with a control philosophy of supplying heat at low temperatures regularly but boosting the supply temperature in the cold winter periods. This approach is novel and differs from traditional DH systems that maintain a constant supply temperature throughout the year. - The study analyses the performance of existing radiators that were previously oversized and uses the results to evaluate the piping network of the low-temperature DH system. This analysis provides valuable insights into the optimization of DH networks and the reduction of heat loss. - By increasing the supply temperature in cold periods, the mass flow rate requirement of a district can be reduced, leading to significant energy savings and improved efficiency of the DH network. This finding is important for the design and operation of low-temperature DH systems. - The publication also includes a sensitivity analysis to evaluate the applicability of the proposed method, considering different radiator capacities (based on different standards) and design temperature values. This analysis enhances the understanding of the factors influencing the performance of low-temperature DH networks.