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Technology Pathways and Economic Analysis for Transforming High Temperature to Low Temperature District Heating Systems

Author

Listed:
  • Pedro Durán

    (DLR Institute of Networked Energy Systems, Carl-von-Ossietzky-Str. 15, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany)

  • Herena Torio

    (DLR Institute of Networked Energy Systems, Carl-von-Ossietzky-Str. 15, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany)

  • Patrik Schönfeldt

    (DLR Institute of Networked Energy Systems, Carl-von-Ossietzky-Str. 15, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany)

  • Peter Klement

    (DLR Institute of Networked Energy Systems, Carl-von-Ossietzky-Str. 15, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany)

  • Benedikt Hanke

    (DLR Institute of Networked Energy Systems, Carl-von-Ossietzky-Str. 15, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany)

  • Karsten von Maydell

    (DLR Institute of Networked Energy Systems, Carl-von-Ossietzky-Str. 15, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany)

  • Carsten Agert

    (DLR Institute of Networked Energy Systems, Carl-von-Ossietzky-Str. 15, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany)

Abstract

There are 1454 district heating systems in Germany. Most of them are fossil based and with high temperature levels, which is neither efficient nor sustainable and needs to be changed for reaching the 2050 climate goals. In this paper, we present a case study for transforming a high to low temperature district heating system which is more suitable for renewable energy supply. With the Carnot Toolbox, a dynamic model of a potential district heating system is simulated and then transformed to a low temperature supply. A sensitivity analysis is carried out to see the system performance in case space constrains restrict the transformation. Finally, an economic comparison is performed. Results show that it is technically possible to perform the transformation until a very low temperature system. The use of decentralized renewable sources, decentralized heat storage tanks and the placement of a heat pump on each building are the key points to achieve the transformation. Regarding the sensitivity analysis, the transformation is worth doing until the seasonal storage and solar collector field sizes are reduced to 60% and 80% of their values in the reference case, respectively. The economic analysis shows, however, that it is hard for highly efficient low temperature renewable based heat networks to compete with district heating systems based on a centralized fossile CHP solution. Thus, though the presented transformation is technically possible, there is a strong need to change existing economic schemes and policies for fostering a stronger promotion of renewable energy policies in the heat sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Pedro Durán & Herena Torio & Patrik Schönfeldt & Peter Klement & Benedikt Hanke & Karsten von Maydell & Carsten Agert, 2021. "Technology Pathways and Economic Analysis for Transforming High Temperature to Low Temperature District Heating Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-24, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:11:p:3218-:d:566370
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gadd, Henrik & Werner, Sven, 2014. "Achieving low return temperatures from district heating substations," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 136(C), pages 59-67.
    2. Friedrich Kunz & Mario Kendziorski & Wolf-Peter Schill & Jens Weibezahn & Jan Zepter & Christian von Hirschhausen & Philipp Hauser & Matthias Zech & Dominik Möst & Sina Heidari & Björn Felten & Christ, 2017. "Electricity, Heat and Gas Sector Data for Modelling the German System," Data Documentation 92, DIW Berlin, German Institute for Economic Research.
    3. 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.
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