Intelligent District Heating Increases Energy Efficiency on Bornholm

Over the past year, an intelligent district heating system has been tested in the town of Listed on Bornholm. The goal has been to increase the efficiency of the district heating system and contribute to the green transition through a new data-driven control model.

For a year, Bornholms Energi & Forsyning, together with technology companies Neogrid Technologies, Utiligize, DTU Elektro, and Energy Cluster Denmark, have tested and demonstrated a project aimed at increasing the efficiency of district heating consumption, distribution, and production by managing household district heating consumption more intelligently.

The project, named “Flexibility Heat Grid Bornholm,” also known as the “Listed Project,” saw 42 out of 65 households in Listed agree to participate as test subjects. The project has focused heavily on involving residents and gaining their acceptance from start to finish throughout the entire process.

Specifically, the project tested and demonstrated a data-driven control model that includes the use of end-user flexibility in the district heating network for better network utilization, integration of decentralized sources of waste heat, and co-operation with the electricity system through flexibility services.

“The Flexibility Heat Grid Bornholm project is one we see particular potential in, as it creates a crucial link between the individual customer and the overall supply system. Together, we create opportunities to reduce the consumption of biomass-based fuels, lower heating bills for customers, and also lay the groundwork for a more robust supply system. In this project, everyone gains knowledge and skills that support the necessary journey we are on to create a more sustainable energy system,” says Claus Andersen, CEO of Bornholms Energi & Forsyning.

App Control Gives Residents Influence

The households’ district heating is controlled by Bornholms Energi & Forsyning based on Neogrid’s communication unit, which has been integrated with the households’ existing system. This system typically consists of a heating circuit and a 110L hot water tank controlled by a Danfoss control unit. Neogrid’s communication unit makes the control smart and predictive. Despite this, residents have not been left without influence. Through an app, each household has been able to ensure that their personal comfort level is maintained while achieving savings on their heating bill and contributing to the green transition.

The project ran from January 2022 to December 2022 and is now completed. In the long term, the goal is to scale the project up to other district heating systems both in Denmark and abroad, leading to lower CO2 emissions and contributing to the green transition.

Positive Results Indicate Scaling Potential

The project has measured positive effects in terms of improved cooling, lower return temperatures, and thus a more energy-efficient grid. Analyzing the households’ consumption and energy efficiency shows a trend that the greater the household’s energy consumption, the greater the benefit from intelligent control.

The results are clear and positive, but it should be noted that the Listed Project had few participants, meaning the results cannot be generalized.

In the near future, Bornholms Energi & Forsyning will launch a project similar to the Listed Project but on a much larger scale. By scaling up the project, it will be easier to qualify the results and validate assumptions such as energy efficiency, CO2 reduction, and optimized operation.

Project Period: January 2022 – December 2022

Budget: DKK 2 million in total budget. The innovation project is supported by the EU Regional Fund.

Partners:

• Bornholms Energi og Forsyning
• Neogrid Technologies
• Utiligize
• DTU Elektro
• Energy Cluster Denmark