Return-Temperature Reduction at District Heating Systems: Focus on End-User Sites

Hakan İbrahim Tol and Habtamu Bayera Madessa ()
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Hakan İbrahim Tol: Unit Energy Technology, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO NV), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
Habtamu Bayera Madessa: Department of Built Environment, Oslo Metropolitan University, 0130 Oslo, Norway

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 19, 1-46

Abstract: This review presents a comprehensive examination of recent advancements and findings related to return-temperature reduction in District Heating (DH) systems, with a focus on enhancing overall system efficiency at end-user sites. The review categorizes and clarifies various return-temperature reduction techniques, emphasizing aspects such as building energy performance, heat emitters, thermostatic radiator valves, and substation units. One shall note that return temperature is not a parameter that can be directly controlled within a DH system; instead, it is influenced indirectly by adjusting various system parameters throughout the design, commissioning, operation, and control phases. Key insights include the direct impact of heat demand on return temperatures; the pivotal role of indoor heating systems in optimizing thermal energy use in relation to heat demand; the significance of thermostatic radiator valves in regulating heat output and maintaining low return temperatures; the advantages of ventilation radiators and add-on fans in enhancing radiator efficiency; the necessity for effective substation operation to improve system cooling capacity; and the critical role of operational control strategies in achieving optimal system performance. These findings underscore the need for integrated approaches in DH system design and operation to achieve lower return temperatures and improve overall system efficiency.

Keywords: district heating systems; low return temperature; return-temperature reduction; heating system design; energy efficiency (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: 2024
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