Open Source District Heating Modeling Tools—A Comparative Study

Gregor Becker (), Christian Klemm and Peter Vennemann
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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
Peter Vennemann: Department of Energy, Building Services and Environmental Engineering, Münster University of Applied Sciences, 48565 Steinfurt, Germany

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 21, 1-20

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.

Keywords: district heating; modeling tools; energy system modeling; urban energy systems; optimization; Thermos; oemof (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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