Data-driven assessment for the supervision of District Heating Networks

There is an ongoing trend towards temperature reduction in District Heating Networks, allowing for the reduction of distribution heat loss and enabling the integration of low exergy heat production systems. There is a clear scientific consensus on the improved sustainability of such systems. However, there is not sufficient knowledge on how to deliver a successful transition to a low temperature District Heating system, while ensuring the operational levels of the existing system. This paper presents the experience on the progressive temperature reduction of a district heating subnetwork over the 2018–2021 period in Tartu, Estonia. Data from heat meters is extensively used to assess the capacity of substations and network branches to deliver the required heat and quality levels. Faulty substations are identified for targeted assessment and improvement works. Several substations have been identified as missing some of the performance criteria. This has led to further analysis, closer supervision and interventions in the operational conditions of the network. This is an ongoing process, expected to remain in the established procedures of the DH network operator. At the end of the process, a temperature reduction of 7 ºC has shown an improvement of 4.8% in network heat loss.