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Investigation of hydraulic imbalance for converting existing boiler based buildings to low temperature district heating

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  • Ashfaq, Asad
  • Ianakiev, Anton

Abstract

The hydraulic balance of heating network is considered as a pre-condition for the implementation of low temperature district heating (LTDH). Its imbalance result into high energy consumption and heat-losses in the network. In this study, a novel hydraulic model is presented which investigates hydraulic imbalance in the LTDH network, using real weather and hourly monitored operational heating data from an existing boiler based building. Analysis of delta t in space-heating system shows that the delta t is maximum when the outside air temperature is lowest and it decreases with increase in outside air temperature. Furthermore, the hydraulic imbalance is analysed for four different control scenarios with the aim to find an optimum scenario with minimum pumping power, energy consumption and heat-losses in the LTDH network. Results show that the hydraulic imbalance is due to the absence of flow-limiters and balancing valves on the return pipe, and thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) alone are unable to maintain hydraulic balance in the space-heating system of buildings. Moreover, the control scenario with variable flow-rate and fixed supply water temperature from the sub-station is found to be optimum. Compared to the constant flow-rate scenario, the pumping power, energy consumption and heat-losses in the LTDH network are reduced by approximately 2%, 63% and 14%, respectively.

Suggested Citation

  • Ashfaq, Asad & Ianakiev, Anton, 2018. "Investigation of hydraulic imbalance for converting existing boiler based buildings to low temperature district heating," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 160(C), pages 200-212.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:160:y:2018:i:c:p:200-212
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2018.07.001
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    5. Theofanis Benakopoulos & Robbe Salenbien & Dirk Vanhoudt & Svend Svendsen, 2019. "Improved Control of Radiator Heating Systems with Thermostatic Radiator Valves without Pre-Setting Function," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-24, August.
    6. Nielsen, Tore Bach & Lund, Henrik & Østergaard, Poul Alberg & Duic, Neven & Mathiesen, Brian Vad, 2021. "Perspectives on energy efficiency and smart energy systems from the 5th SESAAU2019 conference," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 216(C).
    7. Hatef Hajian & Raimo Simson & Jarek Kurnitski, 2022. "Heating Sizing Power Reduction in Buildings Connected to District Heating with Dynamically Controlled DHW Setback and Flow Limiters," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-18, July.
    8. Che, Zichang & Sun, Jingchao & Na, Hongming & Yuan, Yuxing & Qiu, Ziyang & Du, Tao, 2023. "A novel method for intelligent heating: On-demand optimized regulation of hydraulic balance for secondary networks," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 282(C).
    9. Lund, Henrik & Duic, Neven & Østergaard, Poul Alberg & Mathiesen, Brian Vad, 2018. "Future district heating systems and technologies: On the role of smart energy systems and 4th generation district heating," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 165(PA), pages 614-619.
    10. Sun, Chunhua & Yuan, Lingyu & Chen, Yun & Cao, Shanshan & Xia, Guoqiang & Qi, Chengying & Wu, Xiangdong, 2023. "An intelligent control and regulation strategy aiming at building level heating balance in district heating system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 278(PB).
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