A New Method for the Techno-Economic Analysis and the Identification of Expansion Strategies of Neutral-Temperature District Heating and Cooling Systems
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Neutral temperature district heating and cooling (NT-DHC) is a relatively new concept in the district heating (DH) sector. A missing aspect in current literature is the ability to model the performance of NT-DHC systems and draw master plans. In this work, a new methodology is proposed for the techno-economic evaluation of NT-DHC systems and the identification of future spatial expansion scenarios to neighboring areas using a knapsack optimization approach.This method allows for a detailed analysis of the boundary conditions that make the NT-DHC solution competitive against individual heating and cooling technologies. The optimization algorithm determines which combination of potential extensions maximizes the overall economic value. The application to a case study in Italy shows that the NT-DHC is better suited to dense urban zones, while air-to-water heat pumps are better suited to zones with low heat density.This tool has the potential impact in the DHC sector of reducing the energy demand risks, providing more certainty as to which zones a network can expand to be competitive. It is targeted at energy planners, utilities, energy engineers, and DHC specialists since they require decision-making support and recommendations for replicating a new type of DHC system. This tool will enable pre-feasibility studies and preliminary designs to determine the opportunities and limitations of a system of this kind from an economic and technological perspective.
Source: Energies
DOI: 10.3390/en17092159
Institutions: Eurac Research, Politecnico di Milano
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,955
Funder: European Commission
Award: G5947592454
OpenAlex ID: W4396556522