Reduced-order modelling and operational optimization of a high-density district heating network

Abstract

This study focuses on the reduced-order modeling and the operational optimization of the heating network of Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) to decrease its energy consumption and CO2 emissions. A reduced-order model of the network was developed, and alternatives to the current operation were investigated to minimize its operational cost. As a very first improvement, replacing the current fixed-speed pumps with optimally operated variable-speed pumps, the pumping energy can be reduced by up to 96 %. Further optimizing the network operating temperatures can lead to a reduction of the pumping energy, the heat losses and the CO2 emissions by 99 %, 19 %, and 7 %, respectively, compared to the current operation.

Keywords

• District heating network
• Reduce-order modelling
• Operational optimization