IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jeners/v15y2022i21p8277-d964246.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Open Source District Heating Modeling Tools—A Comparative Study

Author

Listed:
  • Gregor Becker

    (Department of Energy, Building Services and Environmental Engineering, Münster University of Applied Sciences, 48565 Steinfurt, Germany)

  • Christian Klemm

    (Department of Energy, Building Services and Environmental Engineering, Münster University of Applied Sciences, 48565 Steinfurt, Germany
    Department of Energy and Environmental Management, Europa-Universität Flensburg, 24943 Flensburg, Germany)

  • Peter Vennemann

    (Department of Energy, Building Services and Environmental Engineering, Münster University of Applied Sciences, 48565 Steinfurt, Germany)

Abstract

Heating networks are highly relevant for the achievement of climate protection goals of urban energy systems. This is due to their high renewable energy potential combined with high plant efficiency and utilization rates. For the optimal integration and sector coupling of heating networks in holistic urban energy systems, open source energy system modeling tools are highly recommended. In this contribution, two open source approaches (the “Spreadsheet Energy System Model Generator”-integrated DHNx-Python module (DHNx/SESMG) and Thermos) are theoretically compared, and practically applied to a real-world energy system. Deviations within the results can be explained by incorrectly pre-defined parameters within Thermos and cannot be adjusted by the modeler. The simultaneity is underestimated in the case study by Thermos by more than 20%. This results in undersized heating plant capacities and a 50% higher number of buildings connected to the network. However, Thermos offers a higher end-user usability and over 100 times faster solving. DHNx/SESMG, in contrast, offers the possibility to adjust more model parameters individually and consider multiple energy sectors. This enables a holistic modeling of urban energy systems and the model-based optimization of multi-sectoral synergies.

Suggested Citation

  • Gregor Becker & Christian Klemm & Peter Vennemann, 2022. "Open Source District Heating Modeling Tools—A Comparative Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-20, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:21:p:8277-:d:964246
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/15/21/8277/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/15/21/8277/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ioannis Acheilas & Fransje Hooimeijer & Aksel Ersoy, 2020. "A Decision Support Tool for Implementing District Heating in Existing Cities, Focusing on Using a Geothermal Source," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-30, May.
    2. Pfenninger, Stefan & Hirth, Lion & Schlecht, Ingmar & Schmid, Eva & Wiese, Frauke & Brown, Tom & Davis, Chris & Gidden, Matthew & Heinrichs, Heidi & Heuberger, Clara & Hilpert, Simon & Krien, Uwe & Ma, 2018. "Opening the black box of energy modelling: Strategies and lessons learned," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 19, pages 63-71.
    3. van Ouwerkerk, Jonas & Hainsch, Karlo & Candas, Soner & Muschner, Christoph & Buchholz, Stefanie & Günther, Stephan & Huyskens, Hendrik & Berendes, Sarah & Löffler, Konstantin & Bußar, Christian & Tar, 2022. "Comparing open source power system models - A case study focusing on fundamental modeling parameters for the German energy transition," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).
    4. Abolfazl Rezaei & Bahador Samadzadegan & Hadise Rasoulian & Saeed Ranjbar & Soroush Samareh Abolhassani & Azin Sanei & Ursula Eicker, 2021. "A New Modeling Approach for Low-Carbon District Energy System Planning," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-22, March.
    5. Arabkoohsar, Ahmad & Alsagri, Ali Sulaiman, 2020. "Thermodynamic analysis of ultralow-temperature district heating system with shared power heat pumps and triple-pipes," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 194(C).
    6. Rae, Callum & Kerr, Sandy & Maroto-Valer, M. Mercedes, 2020. "Upscaling smart local energy systems: A review of technical barriers," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 131(C).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Francesco Bandarin & Enrico Ciciotti & Marco Cremaschi & Giovanna Madera & Paolo Perulli & Diana Shendrikova, 2020. "Which Future for Cities after COVID-19 An international Survey," Reports, Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei, October.
    2. Weinand, Jann & Scheller, Fabian Johannes & McKenna, Russell, 2020. "Reviewing energy system modelling of decentralized energy autonomy," Working Paper Series in Production and Energy 41, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Industrial Production (IIP).
    3. Xu, Yuan & Sharma, Tarun, 2022. "Explaining expedited energy transition toward renewables by COVID-19 in India," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 165(C).
    4. Patrycjusz Zarębski & Dominik Katarzyński, 2023. "A Theoretical Framework for a Local Energy Innovation System Based on the Renewable Energy Case of Poland," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-24, April.
    5. Savvidis, Georgios & Siala, Kais & Weissbart, Christoph & Schmidt, Lukas & Borggrefe, Frieder & Kumar, Subhash & Pittel, Karen & Madlener, Reinhard & Hufendiek, Kai, 2019. "The gap between energy policy challenges and model capabilities," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 125(C), pages 503-520.
    6. Golmohamadi, Hessam & Larsen, Kim Guldstrand & Jensen, Peter Gjøl & Hasrat, Imran Riaz, 2022. "Integration of flexibility potentials of district heating systems into electricity markets: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).
    7. Mengting Jiang & Camilo Rindt & David M. J. Smeulders, 2022. "Optimal Planning of Future District Heating Systems—A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-38, September.
    8. Prina, Matteo Giacomo & Nastasi, Benedetto & Groppi, Daniele & Misconel, Steffi & Garcia, Davide Astiaso & Sparber, Wolfram, 2022. "Comparison methods of energy system frameworks, models and scenario results," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
    9. Papadis, Elisa & Tsatsaronis, George, 2020. "Challenges in the decarbonization of the energy sector," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 205(C).
    10. Beriro, Darren & Nathanail, Judith & Salazar, Juan & Kingdon, Andrew & Marchant, Andrew & Richardson, Steve & Gillet, Andy & Rautenberg, Svea & Hammond, Ellis & Beardmore, John & Moore, Terry & Angus,, 2022. "A decision support system to assess the feasibility of onshore renewable energy infrastructure," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 168(C).
    11. Couraud, Benoit & Andoni, Merlinda & Robu, Valentin & Norbu, Sonam & Chen, Si & Flynn, David, 2023. "Responsive FLEXibility: A smart local energy system," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 182(C).
    12. Roland Zink & Javier Valdes & Jane Wuth, 2020. "Prioritizing the Chicken or Egg? Electric Vehicle Purchase and Charging Infrastructure Subsidies in Germany," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 8(3), pages 185-198.
    13. Sam Wilkinson & Michele John & Gregory M. Morrison, 2021. "Rooftop PV and the Renewable Energy Transition; a Review of Driving Forces and Analytical Frameworks," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-25, May.
    14. Zerrahn, Alexander & Schill, Wolf-Peter & Kemfert, Claudia, 2018. "On the economics of electrical storage for variable renewable energy sources," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 108, pages 259-279.
    15. Abuzayed, Anas & Hartmann, Niklas, 2022. "MyPyPSA-Ger: Introducing CO2 taxes on a multi-regional myopic roadmap of the German electricity system towards achieving the 1.5 °C target by 2050," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 310(C).
    16. Weber, Juliane & Heinrichs, Heidi Ursula & Gillessen, Bastian & Schumann, Diana & Hörsch, Jonas & Brown, Tom & Witthaut, Dirk, 2019. "Counter-intuitive behaviour of energy system models under CO2 caps and prices," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 170(C), pages 22-30.
    17. Brown, T. & Schlachtberger, D. & Kies, A. & Schramm, S. & Greiner, M., 2018. "Synergies of sector coupling and transmission reinforcement in a cost-optimised, highly renewable European energy system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 160(C), pages 720-739.
    18. Dominković, D.F. & Weinand, J.M. & Scheller, F. & D'Andrea, M. & McKenna, R., 2022. "Reviewing two decades of energy system analysis with bibliometrics," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 153(C).
    19. Kueppers, Martin & Paredes Pineda, Stephany Nicole & Metzger, Michael & Huber, Matthias & Paulus, Simon & Heger, Hans Joerg & Niessen, Stefan, 2021. "Decarbonization pathways of worldwide energy systems – Definition and modeling of archetypes," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 285(C).
    20. Lerede, D. & Bustreo, C. & Gracceva, F. & Saccone, M. & Savoldi, L., 2021. "Techno-economic and environmental characterization of industrial technologies for transparent bottom-up energy modeling," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 140(C).

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:21:p:8277-:d:964246. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.