In RELaTED, lower distribution temperatures are paired by a set of innovative technologies enabling for the rearrangement of DH networks with local heat heat production, based on the following technologies:
- 3FS upgraded the concept of consumer substations into elements with bi-directional heat flow and net metering & energy billing. This technology has reached TRL 8-9.
- BILTST systems adapted traditional Solar Thermal systems for building integration into configurations compatible with DH, without further need of local heat storage, and the capacity to inject heat into the grid. This technology has reached TRL 8-9.
- DHRHP systems adapted low-temperature DH operation with higher distribution temperatures within HVAC systems, particular technical applications of heat, and possible heat recovery from cooling applications. This technology has reached TRL 8-9.
All three technologies were conceived to operate individually, but to achieve its maximum functionality in its seamless integration allowing for a common integration framework.
Achieved Project Results
- An ULT heat distribution concept at 40-45ºC, with large shares of renewable and residual energy sources.
- Core Technologies in RELaTED concept achieved high TRLs.
- Demonstration in 4 clearly different environments covering extremely different climatic conditions, construction traditions, urban density, pre-existing district scheme, ownership and energy services contract schemes
- Successful integration of local RES and waste heat production, and 3FS, DHRHP, and BILTST systems.
- Feasibility studies have been performed in 2 European regions.
- A commercially viable system
o The RELaTED ULT concept achieves a reduced cost of heat due to systematic use of low cost WH or RES at low temperatures, which reflect in reduced fossil fuel needs and lower exposure to price fluctuations in fuel imports.
o Standardized schemes have been defined to facilitate the integration of RES or WH producers within grids in operation.
o Flexible operational schemes which limit initial costs in production and distribution infrastructure and link capital investment to the growth profile of energy loads
o Maximisation of energy distribution by means of ULT heat extraction of return lines in existing DH networks.
- An adaptable and fair energy price scheme
o Demand-side heat load management based on real-time price scenarios for peak load shifting in residential and industrial customers.
o Profitable price schemes for service providers and affordable heat sources for customers of various scales: Individual housing, large consumers, multi-owner housing, etc. Assessment of profitable business scenarios for the deployment of distributed RES in District Heating.
Achieved Project Impacts
1. Final energy savings in the range of 570 MWh/year.
2. Competitiveness of the heat delivered by the proposed solutions: The impact of all the interventions in RELaTED results in economic saving in the range of 7.5 Million € (2021).
3. Increased share of WH and RES of thermal energy in the supply of heating demand. 12.5 GWh/year of residual heat recovery + 64 GWht/year of cogeneration is already in operation. Additionally, a large scale intervention in the range of 600MWt is to get into operation shortly after the end of RELaTED.
4. Replication by RELaTED partner DH networks, DH operators, research and institutional partners.
5. Replication by third parties in the DH community
