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Strategy for low-temperature operation of radiator systems using data from existing digital heat cost allocators

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  • Benakopoulos, Theofanis
  • Tunzi, Michele
  • Salenbien, Robbe
  • Svendsen, Svend

Abstract

The low-temperature operation of existing radiator systems connected to district heating is hindered by various factors, including non-ideal local control by users. The use of only a few of the available radiators to provide the necessary thermal comfort in an apartment is a common example. This requires a higher supply temperature and results in a high return temperature. This study investigated the potential of minimising the supply temperature of the radiator system to stimulate the use of all the available radiators in each apartment. Data from existing electronic heat cost allocators were used to detect the number of radiators not being used at any given time. A thermal/hydraulic model of the radiator system of a building was created to calculate the minimum supply temperature required according to the maximum pump operation. Energy-weighted average supply and return temperatures of 44 °C and 30 °C, respectively, could be achieved when all the radiators were used. The investigation showed that under the minimum supply temperature and a sufficient hydraulic balance, the required heat could only be delivered if all the available radiators were used. A good hydraulic balance could be secured by appropriately setting the balancing valves in each riser.

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  • Benakopoulos, Theofanis & Tunzi, Michele & Salenbien, Robbe & Svendsen, Svend, 2021. "Strategy for low-temperature operation of radiator systems using data from existing digital heat cost allocators," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 231(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:231:y:2021:i:c:s0360544221011762
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2021.120928
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    1. Benakopoulos, Theofanis & Tunzi, Michele & Salenbien, Robbe & Hansen, Kasper Klan & Svendsen, Svend, 2022. "Implementation of a strategy for low-temperature operation of radiator systems using data from existing digital heat cost allocators," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 251(C).
    2. Østergaard, Dorte Skaarup & Smith, Kevin Michael & Tunzi, Michele & Svendsen, Svend, 2022. "Low-temperature operation of heating systems to enable 4th generation district heating: A review," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 248(C).
    3. Tunzi, Michele & Benakopoulos, Theofanis & Yang, Qinjiang & Svendsen, Svend, 2023. "Demand side digitalisation: A methodology using heat cost allocators and energy meters to secure low-temperature operations in existing buildings connected to district heating networks," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 264(C).
    4. Guelpa, E. & Capone, M. & Sciacovelli, A. & Vasset, N. & Baviere, R. & Verda, V., 2023. "Reduction of supply temperature in existing district heating: A review of strategies and implementations," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 262(PB).
    5. Liu, Zhikai & Zhang, Huan & Wang, Yaran & Fan, Xianwang & You, Shijun & Jiang, Yan & Gao, Xinlei, 2023. "Optimization of hydraulic distribution using loop adjustment method in meshed district heating system with multiple heat sources," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 284(C).
    6. 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).
    7. Barnaś, Krzysztof & Jeleński, Tomasz & Nowak-Ocłoń, Marzena & Racoń-Leja, Kinga & Radziszewska-Zielina, Elżbieta & Szewczyk, Bartłomiej & Śladowski, Grzegorz & Toś, Cezary & Varbanov, Petar Sabev, 2023. "Algorithm for the comprehensive thermal retrofit of housing stock aided by renewable energy supply: A sustainable case for Krakow," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 263(PD).

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