Setup and testing of smart controllers for small-scale district heating networks: An integrated framework

Andrea De Lorenzi, Agostino Gambarotta, Mirko Morini, Michele Rossi and Costanza Saletti

Energy, 2020, vol. 205, issue C

Abstract: Nowadays, the growing availability of renewable energy resources is an opportunity to reduce carbon emissions but also a challenge, as advanced control technologies are required. The new generation of smart district heating and cooling networks, for instance, pledges efficient energy distribution, flexibility and low-carbon energy integration. However, in the literature it is hard to find comprehensive frameworks for the integrated setup and testing of smart control strategies. This paper defines and demonstrates a framework that involves all steps of the controller development for small-scale district heating networks: from conceptualization to prototype testing. The innovative controller prototype, which relies on Model Predictive Control and aims to minimize operating costs and/or energy, is demonstrated in three original case studies, one in a simulation environment and two in real systems of different complexity in operational conditions. Compared to the control approaches previously adopted, based on predefined rules and operator experience, the smart solution achieves 6% reduction in cost and up to 34% reduction in energy consumption while meeting user requirements. The fast replicability of the proposed integrated methodology can foster the transition toward the next generation of smart heating networks.

Keywords: Model predictive control; District heating and cooling network; Dynamic simulation; Library of energy system components; Experimental case study; Smart energy systems (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (12)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:205:y:2020:i:c:s0360544220311610

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2020.118054

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