Flexibility Heat Grid Bornholm

Challenge

There is significant potential in increasing the efficiency of district heating consumption, distribution, and production by managing the consumption of district heating users more intelligently. Optimized control of district heating units can improve energy efficiency in households and provide better cooling of the return temperature in the district heating system, thereby reducing heat loss.

To realize these potentials, more data and network simulations are required for better operational situations and strategies.

Solution

The project tests and demonstrates a simulation model that includes the use of end-user flexibility in the district heating network for better utilization of the network, improved operation of central heat production units, integration of decentralized waste heat sources, and co-operation with the electricity system through flexibility services.

Furthermore, this means developing and testing a unit in the house that controls individuals' energy consumption. An app for each user enables them to ensure that their comfort consumption is met. In this way, a reduction in heat loss at the individual user level is ensured, thereby increasing energy efficiency.

Impact

• 10% increased energy efficiency in households connected to the district heating system.
• Increased energy efficiency in production facilities: central areas (7%), large decentralized areas (6%), and small decentralized areas (5%).
• Reduced heat loss in the district heating system: central areas (10%), large decentralized areas (15%), and small decentralized areas (20%).