HeatSync

Challenge

Utilities have increased investment in new methods of service delivery and have digitized their operations to focus on the use of data. The district heating network is a good example of where data integration and analysis can create value. It is therefore surprising that the digitization in heating and cooling networks, in relation to the electricity sector, has not gained momentum to the same extent. To ensure that district heating companies can optimize production and delivery, a common data model for sharing data is essential.

Solution

The project will standardize the sharing of district heating data according to a common data model to facilitate efficient data exchange and collaboration across sectors. A common data model for district heating data optimizes the data sharing process and increases user-friendliness for both data providers and users. This is because organizations and companies can follow a standardized data model instead of creating individual data structures for each Use-Case. This promotes more efficient handling of data, enables in-depth analyzes of the district heating system and facilitates the implementation of digital services, which both benefit district heating customers and support the green transition.

Main deliveries

The overall goals of the project are to demonstrate the following: 

• Implementation and demonstration of a common data model across different types of district heating companies.

• Implementation and demonstration of a data broker (phone book) for easy data access for service providers.

• 3 separate use cases that demonstrate commercial applications of the developed technology. 

• Show a savings potential in both efficiency gains in DKK and in saved CO2 through easier access to data.

Effect

The project addresses the lack of uniformity in current data handling practices among Danish district heating companies, which complicates access to and use of data – with an unrealized potential of over 1 billion. DKK annually. The project will mature the data model and the data broker, and after the project period, it will be commercially ready.

Problem owners

• Albertslund Forsyning
• Billund Varmeværk
• Dansk Fjernvarme
• Hvide Sande Fjernvarme A.m.b.A.
• Silkeborg Forsyning
• TREFOR Varme

Problem solvers

• Alexandra Instituttet
• Center Denmark
• DTU – Danmarks Tekniske Universitet
• Klappir Nordic
• Neurospace