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Economic viability and scalability of a novel domestic hot water substation for 4th generation district heating: A case study of temperature optimization in the Viborg district heating network

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  • Tunzi, Michele
  • Yang, Qinjiang
  • Olesen, Jesper Brink
  • Diget, Tom
  • Fournel, Lyse Clara

Abstract

District heating (DH) is transitioning towards 4th generation district heating (4GDH), which requires low-temperature operation in the network and building heating system. Large buildings with domestic hot water (DHW) circulation systems are a problem area for low-temperature operations, but the decoupling DHW system using a heat pump is a promising solution. In this study we investigated the techno-economic efficiency of renovating a critical mass of buildings with this solution in a DH network on the scale of a small city. We also propose a new business model in which the DH company owns the substations. The results show that the supply and return temperature s at the level of the network can be reduced by 4.6 °C and 0.43 °C, respectively. This would generate at least EUR 297,000 in production savings annually, which could reduce the heating price for users by 2.7 %. Compared to the traditional user-owned substation business model, the new business model is also more economically competitive.

Suggested Citation

  • Tunzi, Michele & Yang, Qinjiang & Olesen, Jesper Brink & Diget, Tom & Fournel, Lyse Clara, 2024. "Economic viability and scalability of a novel domestic hot water substation for 4th generation district heating: A case study of temperature optimization in the Viborg district heating network," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 313(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:313:y:2024:i:c:s0360544224037885
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2024.134010
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    References listed on IDEAS

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