Integration of heat storage system into district heating networks fed by a biomass CHP plant

Abstract

Biomass Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants connected to district heating networks (DHN) are recognized as a very good opportunity to increase the share of renewable sources into energy systems. However, as CHP plants are not optimized for electricity production, their operation is profitable only if a sufficient heat demand is available throughout the year. On the other hand, these plants often work for baseline operations and backup boilers are used to supply the peak demand. To extend the use of the CHP plants and reduce costs, conventional fuel use and emissions, it is proposed to study the feasibility of using the DHN itself or additional high temperature heat storage as retrofit of an existing CHP plant. This work is based on a simple and effective methodology that provides accurate estimations of economic, environmental and energetic performances of CHP plants connected to district heating networks. The focus is performed on the integration of the heat storage as retrofit of existing DHN considering the local policies. The DHN of the University in Liège (Belgium) is used as an application framework to demonstrate the effectiveness of the selected approach. The potential energy, pollutant emissions savings and resulting energy costs are estimated and the current policy limitations will be discussed.

Multi-Energy School System for Seasonal Use in the Mediterranean Area

“…This installation, as demonstrated, is sustainable in a highly sunny area like the Mediterranean. This is an alternative solution compared to others in the literature, for example, the problem of the flexibility of the cogeneration system is partially solved with the installation of thermal storage systems (TESs) [27,28] or through technological improvements [29,30]. Otherwise, in the proposed paper, the authors solve the mismatch between the lack of flexibility of the CHP system and the uncertainty of the RES through operational, design and sizing strategies that simultaneously take into account the climatic conditions, the latitude and the intended use.…”

Smart Asset Management for District Heating Systems in the Baltic Sea Region

“…Therefore, this technology is especially encouraging as a local source for small towns. Lower mass density requires higher storage volumes [27]. Additionally, seasonal availability and uncertain quantity are a barrier to expanding its usage.…”

Classification of Measures for Dealing with District Heating Load Variations—A Systematic Review

“…These TESs aim to provide load flexibility and thereby to increase the operating time of the CHP plant [118][119][120][121]. As a result of the improved performance of the CHP plant, there is potential to reduce global greenhouse gas emission [119], and to improve the economics of the CHP plant [122], in particular if the daily variation in the electricity price is considerable [119,120]. Centralized short-term TESs can also be used to improve energy and economic performance of integrated heating and cooling systems which are supplied by HPs and use DHSs as backup.…”