The status of 4th generation district heating: Research and results

Henrik Lund*, Poul Alberg Østergaard, Miguel Chang, Sven Werner, Svend Svendsen, Peter Sorknæs, Jan Eric Thorsen, Frede Hvelplund, Bent Ole Gram Mortensen, Brian Vad Mathiesen, Carsten Bojesen, Neven Duic, Xiliang Zhang, Bernd Möller

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

460 Citations (Scopus)
526 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

This review article presents a description of contemporary developments and findings related to the different elements needed in future 4th generation district heating systems (4GDH). Unlike the first three generations of district heating, the development of 4GDH involves meeting the challenge of more energy efficient buildings as well as the integration of district heating into a future smart energy system based on renewable energy sources. Following a review of recent 4GDH research, the article quantifies the costs and benefits of 4GDH in future sustainable energy systems. Costs involve an upgrade of heating systems and of the operation of the distribution grids, while benefits are lower grid losses, a better utilization of low-temperature heat sources and improved efficiency in the production compared to previous district heating systems. It is quantified how benefits exceed costs by a safe margin with the benefits of systems integration being the most important.
Original languageEnglish
JournalEnergy
Volume164
Pages (from-to)147-159
Number of pages13
ISSN0360-5442
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2018

Keywords

  • 4 generation district heating
  • 4GDH
  • Low-temperature district heating
  • Meta conclusions
  • Smart energy systems
  • Smart thermal grids

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