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Experiences from City-Scale Simulation of Thermal Grids

Author

Listed:
  • Johan Simonsson

    (Control Engineering Group, Luleå University of Technology, SE-97187 Luleå, Sweden
    Optimation AB, SE-75309 Uppsala, Sweden)

  • Khalid Tourkey Atta

    (Control Engineering Group, Luleå University of Technology, SE-97187 Luleå, Sweden)

  • Gerald Schweiger

    (Institute for Software Technology, Graz University of Technology, 8010 Graz, Austria)

  • Wolfgang Birk

    (Control Engineering Group, Luleå University of Technology, SE-97187 Luleå, Sweden)

Abstract

Dynamic simulation of district heating and cooling networks has an increased importance in the transition towards renewable energy sources and lower temperature district heating grids, as both temporal and spatial behavior need to be considered. Even though much research and development has been performed in the field, there are several pitfalls and challenges towards dynamic district heating and cooling simulation for everyday use. This article presents the experiences from developing and working with a city-scale simulator of a district heating grid located in Luleå, Sweden. The grid model in the case study is a physics based white-box model, while consumer models are either data-driven black-box or gray-box models. The control system and operator models replicate the manual and automatic operation of the combined heat and power plant. Using the functional mock-up interface standard, a co-simulation environment integrates all the models. Further, the validation of the simulator is discussed. Lessons learned from the project are presented along with future research directions, corresponding to identified gaps and challenges.

Suggested Citation

  • Johan Simonsson & Khalid Tourkey Atta & Gerald Schweiger & Wolfgang Birk, 2021. "Experiences from City-Scale Simulation of Thermal Grids," Resources, MDPI, vol. 10(2), pages 1-20, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:10:y:2021:i:2:p:10-:d:486503
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. do Amaral, J.V.S. & dos Santos, C.H. & Montevechi, J.A.B. & de Queiroz, A.R., 2023. "Energy Digital Twin applications: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 188(C).
    3. Boghetti, Roberto & Kämpf, Jérôme H., 2024. "Verification of an open-source Python library for the simulation of district heating networks with complex topologies," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 290(C).

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