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Choice of insulation standard for pipe networks in 4th generation district heating systems.

Author(s) : LUND R., MOHAMMADI S.

Type of article: Article

Summary

Reducing heat losses from the pipe networks in district heating (DH) systems is one of the main challenges when developing DH in the future. Fourth generation DH is a concept that defines the role of DH in future smart energy systems as an integrated part together with smart electricity grids and smart gas grids. Improving DH pipes by improving the insulation standard results in decreasing the heat and temperature losses from the pipe networks. When reducing heat losses from DH pipes, there is a trade-off between the increasing cost of pipe insulation and the associated savings in the heat supply system. This study presents a methodology to describe this balance for a specific case and its application for the case of Denmark.
The methodology presented consists of a techno-economic analysis in two steps. In the first step, a DH grid model is used to assess the reduction in grid losses by implementing different pipe insulation standards. In the second step, the specific grid losses found in the first step are analysed in an integrated energy systems model where all main energy sectors and their interrelations are included. The outcome of the study can provide decision support when planning investments in DH systems today and in the future. The results from the case of Denmark shows that pipes with higher insulation standard (series 3) is generally preferable, but the highest insulation standard available today (series 4) might be preferable in the future if fuel prices or increase or investment costs decrease.

Details

  • Original title: Choice of insulation standard for pipe networks in 4th generation district heating systems.
  • Record ID : 30017294
  • Languages: English
  • Source: Applied Thermal Engineering - vol. 98
  • Publication date: 2016/04/05
  • DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2015.12.015

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