Feasibility assessment of next-generation smart district heating networks by intelligent energy management strategies

Increasing flexibility of energy demand in a district heating network (DHN) results in both more possibility of interactions between the heating network and renewable resources and managing peak loads by shaving and shifting. This paper summarizes a series of tests performed in a large building complex that may drive future operational strategies for DHN. These novel strategies aim to impact selected customers with a specific range of heat consumption intensity to assess achievable flexibilities in heating demand without additional cost. The results show that a reduction in DHN supplied temperature by 6 °C does not significantly influence the heat consumption of customers equipped with radiators and thermostatic valves. However, its reduction by 10 °C, and 20 °C can impact users with higher consumed heat rates of approximately 0.2 and 0.1 [Unit/10min], respectively. Moreover, prolonging test periods until midday, when there is the highest probable outdoor temperature and solar irradiation may avoid sharp energy variations after tests.