Operation algorithms of seasonal thermal storage in the conditions of a district heating company
Algorytmy pracy sezonowego zasobnika ciepła w warunkach przedsiębiorstwa ciepłowniczego
Michalina Kurkus-Gruszecka, Piotr Krawczyk, Krzysztof Badyda
Streszczenie
The article focuses on developing and analysing operation algorithms for seasonal thermal storage within a district
heating company in a warm transitional climate in Europe. The heating plant, which serves around 50,000 residents, relies on
a combination of heat sources, including renewable energy, high-efficiency cogeneration units, and peak-load sources, to meet
the fluctuating heat demand throughout the year. The study is motivated by the significant seasonal variations in heat demand,
with lower demand in summer and high peaks during the cold winter months. The research explores three strategies for
managing the thermal storage system, each aiming to optimise available heat sources across different seasons. The goal was
to maximise the use of high-efficiency cogeneration units and minimise the operation of less efficient peak-load sources, which
are typically more expensive and environmentally taxing. Through simulations, the article demonstrates that strategic use of
seasonal thermal storage can significantly reduce the reliance on low-efficiency peak sources, with reductions in their
utilisation ranging from 58% to 85%. The findings suggest that optimising these algorithms can lead to considerable cost
savings, improved energy efficiency, and reduced environmental impact for district heating systems.
heating company in a warm transitional climate in Europe. The heating plant, which serves around 50,000 residents, relies on
a combination of heat sources, including renewable energy, high-efficiency cogeneration units, and peak-load sources, to meet
the fluctuating heat demand throughout the year. The study is motivated by the significant seasonal variations in heat demand,
with lower demand in summer and high peaks during the cold winter months. The research explores three strategies for
managing the thermal storage system, each aiming to optimise available heat sources across different seasons. The goal was
to maximise the use of high-efficiency cogeneration units and minimise the operation of less efficient peak-load sources, which
are typically more expensive and environmentally taxing. Through simulations, the article demonstrates that strategic use of
seasonal thermal storage can significantly reduce the reliance on low-efficiency peak sources, with reductions in their
utilisation ranging from 58% to 85%. The findings suggest that optimising these algorithms can lead to considerable cost
savings, improved energy efficiency, and reduced environmental impact for district heating systems.