Case Studies in Low-Energy District Heating Systems: Determination of Dimensioning Methods for Planning the Future Heating Infrastructure
Abstract
The climate crisis and the new technological possibilities for building low energy buildings give the opportunity to improve the municipal heating systems. The heating demand will be less in the future and renewable energy has to be integrated in the design of district heating systems. The paper suggests a plan for an energy efficient District Heating (DH) system with low operating temperatures, such as 55°C supply and 25°C return; connected to low-energy buildings. Different case studies referring to typical DH planning situations could show the rational basis for the integrated planning of the future’s sustainable and energy efficient heating infrastructure. In this paper, a case study which focuses on dimensioning method of piping network of low-energy DH system in a new settlement, located in Roskilde Municipality, Denmark, is presented. In addition to the developed dimensioning method, results about the optimal network layout and substation type for low-energy DH systems are also pointed out regarding to this case study. A second case study, included in this paper, focuses on technical and economical aspects of replacing natural gas heating system to low-energy DH system in an existing settlement, located in Gladsaxe Municipality, Denmark. The technical results of the case studies also conclude with an outline of possible municipal planning of DH system with regard to climate and energy.