Comparison of two simulation methods for the technical feasibility of a district heating system using waste heat from a copper plant with thermal storage

Prior studies have noted that modelling and simulation approaches provide useful assistance in designing new generation district heating systems to deal with the increasing complexity of technologies. The available models and tools cover wide varieties in terms of technologies, model complexities, etc. In order to identify the applicability of different modelling methods for certain cases, the present study compared an energy planning tool with a dynamic simulation method for a district heating system using waste heat from a copper plant with thermal storage. The results showed the two methods predicted similar usage of heating energy from sources and demand for the case with short-term thermal storage, especially in cold months. However, large discrepancies were observed when including long-term thermal storage.