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Bottlenecks in district heating networks and how to eliminate them – A simulation and cost study

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  • Brange, Lisa
  • Lauenburg, Patrick
  • Sernhed, Kerstin
  • Thern, Marcus

Abstract

To optimise district heating (DH) systems and simplify the transition towards the fourth generation of district heating, it is important to remove any bottlenecks existing in the DH network. DH bottlenecks are in this study defined as pipes with too high flow relative to the pipe diameter, resulting in difficulties to maintain sufficient differential pressure in the area beyond the pipe. The aim of this study is to investigate how well possible measures to solve bottleneck problems work in different DH network configurations and how much they cost. This was achieved by a simulation study and a cost analysis. The results showed that DH systems with a lower flow rate demanded more extensive measures than other systems and that different problems might arise in different types of networks. The economic results showed that a lot of varying parameters, such as the internal rate of return, the fuel and electricity prices and the annual utilisation time of the measure could have a large impact on the outcome. An increase of the supply temperature could however easily become very expensive. Before any bottleneck measures are implemented in a DH system, calculations and analysis based on the local situations should thus be performed.

Suggested Citation

  • Brange, Lisa & Lauenburg, Patrick & Sernhed, Kerstin & Thern, Marcus, 2017. "Bottlenecks in district heating networks and how to eliminate them – A simulation and cost study," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 137(C), pages 607-616.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:137:y:2017:i:c:p:607-616
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2017.04.097
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    6. Cai, Hanmin & You, Shi & Wu, Jianzhong, 2020. "Agent-based distributed demand response in district heating systems," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 262(C).
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    8. Danhong Wang & Jan Carmeliet & Kristina Orehounig, 2021. "Design and Assessment of District Heating Systems with Solar Thermal Prosumers and Thermal Storage," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-27, February.
    9. Dimitris Al. Katsaprakakis & Apostolos Michopoulos & Vasiliki Skoulou & Eirini Dakanali & Aggeliki Maragkaki & Stavroula Pappa & Ioannis Antonakakis & Dimitris Christakis & Constantinos Condaxakis, 2022. "A Multidisciplinary Approach for an Effective and Rational Energy Transition in Crete Island, Greece," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-49, April.
    10. Ma, Zheng & Knotzer, Armin & Billanes, Joy Dalmacio & Jørgensen, Bo Nørregaard, 2020. "A literature review of energy flexibility in district heating with a survey of the stakeholders’ participation," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 123(C).
    11. Cai, Hanmin & Thingvad, Andreas & You, Shi & Marinelli, Mattia, 2020. "Experimental evaluation of an integrated demand response program using electric heat boosters to provide multi-system services," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 193(C).
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