Testing and Evaluation of a Smart Controller for Reducing Peak Loads and Return Temperatures in District Heating Networks

Tijs Van Oevelen, Thomas Neven, Aurelien Bres, Ralf-Roman Schmidt, Dirk Vanhoudt

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In this study, the two features of the smart control system have been tested in a part of the DH network of Brescia (Italy). A cloud-based platform is used to collect real-time data from various sources and to communicate control signals calculated by the smart controller. The article presents the results of the tests and an evaluation of the controller performance. The analysis indicates that daily flow-weighted average return temperature reductions of almost 1 K on average can be achieved, and up to 15 K instantaneously. Using supply temperature control, the daily peak load energy supply could be reduced by 262 kWh (34%) on average, by shifting the heat load.
Original languageEnglish
Article number100105
Pages (from-to)1-15
Number of pages15
JournalSmart Energy
Volume10
Issue number100105
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 12 May 2023

Research Field

  • Energy Scenarios & System Planning

Keywords

  • hybrid networks
  • district heating

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