Development of a Software System for Optimal Operation of Heating Networks with Central Solar Plant
Abstract
More and more district heating systems contain a central solar thermal plant in addition to the conventional CHP plant as heat source. In most cases, a short-term thermal energy storage is applied for balancing load and heat generation. The optimal operation of such complex systems regarding operational costs, high share of renewable energy sources, supply safety, etc. is difficult due to mutual influences of the different components as well as fluctuating loads, solar gain and electricity prices. In a current research project, a new software system named Heating Network Navigator is developed which will help the operators of solar district heating systems to reach optimal operation. The approach of the project is to combine an intelligent deterministic optimization scheme based on a system model with predictive control using forecasts of network load, solar yield and electricity price. Based on current and historical measured data and forecasts for the boundary conditions, the Heating Network Navigator will generate suggestions for the process control system on when to charge and discharge the thermal energy storage, which set-point to define for the collector output temperature in matched-flow operation, etc. during the optimization horizon of several hours to some days.