Economic distribution distance for cogenerated district heating and cooling

There has been considerable recent interest in the U.S. concerning district heating and cooling for urban redevelopment, especially including cogeneration and incineration of refuse. We consider several options incorporating cooling, cogeneration and refuse incineration alternatives in a modular design concept. A life-cycle economic analysis is used to evaluate each alternative technology including selection of the optimum choice of cooling and cogeneration modes and to determine the justifiable distribution cost and distance. Viable technologies and sites may then be assessed by comparing justifiable and required distribution distances per unit heating capacity. An example is presented evaluating natural gas and refuse fuels, thermal and electric refrigeration for cooling, and steam turbine, gas turbine and diesel cogeneration for twelve sites in the City of Chicago. The analysis is useful for screening and evaluating both technologies and sites prior to more detailed case study.