Optimization-Based Operation of District Heating Networks: A Case Study for Two Real Sites

Markus Schindler (), Lukas Gnam, Markus Puchegger, Karina Medwenitsch and Patricia Jasek
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Markus Schindler: Forschung Burgenland GmbH, Campus 1, 7000 Eisenstadt, Burgenland, Austria
Lukas Gnam: Fachhochschule Burgenland GmbH, Steinamangerstraße 21, 7423 Pinkafeld, Burgenland, Austria
Markus Puchegger: Forschung Burgenland GmbH, Campus 1, 7000 Eisenstadt, Burgenland, Austria
Karina Medwenitsch: Forschung Burgenland GmbH, Campus 1, 7000 Eisenstadt, Burgenland, Austria
Patricia Jasek: Forschung Burgenland GmbH, Campus 1, 7000 Eisenstadt, Burgenland, Austria

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 5, 1-15

Abstract: To achieve the ambitious targets of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, there is a need for change in all parts of society, industry, and mobility, as well as in all energy sectors. For this purpose, sector coupling plays a crucial role, e.g., in the form of coupling the electricity with the heat sector using power-to-heat systems. In this article, the effects of the integration of intermittent wind energy via a direct cable, as well as the integration of a boiler into district heating systems powered by a biomass plant and/or a gas boiler, are investigated. Sector coupling in the district heating networks is achieved via the integration of a boiler connected to a local grid station and the use of two air-to-water and two water-to-water heat pumps, which are solely powered by electricity produced by local wind turbines. Furthermore, this work evaluates the economic impacts of the exploding energy prices on the sustainability of district heating systems. Our analysis shows that despite high electricity prices, a reduction in fossil-fuel-based energy generators in the winter season can be determined, and thus a sustainable heat supply can be ensured.

Keywords: district heating; renewable energy sources; mixed-integer linear problem; optimization; unit commitment (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: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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