Use Cases with Economics and Simulation for Thermo-Chemical District Networks

Philipp Geyer, Muhannad Delwati, Martin Buchholz, Alessandro Giampieri, Andrew Smallbone, Anthony P. Roskilly, Reiner Buchholz and Mathieu Provost
Additional contact information
Philipp Geyer: Architectural Engineering, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 1—box 2431, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
Muhannad Delwati: Architectural Engineering, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 1—box 2431, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
Martin Buchholz: Watergy GmbH, Oderberger Strasse 3, 10437 Berlin, Germany
Alessandro Giampieri: Sir Joseph Swan Centre, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
Andrew Smallbone: Sir Joseph Swan Centre, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
Anthony P. Roskilly: Sir Joseph Swan Centre, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
Reiner Buchholz: Watergy GmbH, Oderberger Strasse 3, 10437 Berlin, Germany
Mathieu Provost: Watergy GmbH, Oderberger Strasse 3, 10437 Berlin, Germany

Sustainability, 2018, vol. 10, issue 3, 1-33

Abstract: Thermo-chemical networks using absorption and desorption to capture and valorise the potential of very low-grade residual heat (20 °C to 60 °C) to offer a reduction of end user costs and increased primary energy efficiency. The paper demonstrates the technical and economic potential of thermo-chemical networks by defining use cases and their related level of energy efficiency and technological feasibility. Furthermore, specific economic scenarios, including estimations on investment and operation costs, demonstrate the economic benefit of the technology. Simple payback periods between about 0.5 and 7.5 years indicate a good economic feasibility with end user costs below 4 €ct/kWh-equivalent and refunds of 0.5 to 1 €ct/kWh for the required residual heat. Due to the low-temperature characteristics of the relevant systems and services, detailed simulations are required to approve the functioning and viability of the new technology. For this purpose, the paper demonstrates the simulation outline using the example of space heating based on a low-temperature air heating system partially driven with thermo-chemical fuel.

Keywords: thermo-chemical district energy networks; absorption processes; space heating and cooling; industrial drying (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:3:p:599-:d:133499

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