Articles

Reading Time: 4 minutes The shift towards electrification in district heating creates opportunities to reduce carbon emissions and operating costs, if systems are sized and operated correctly. This white paper examines the optimal sizing of a heat pump and accumulation tank for supplying heat to a single average household with an annual heat demand of 18.1 MWh, based on scaled real-world data from 2020-2024.

Using a perfect forecast of weather (driving demand) and electricity prices, we optimise operation to determine cost-optimal heat pump capacity and tank size. Results are presented for Western Denmark (DK1) first, then Eastern Denmark (DK2).

Reading Time: 4 minutesDistrict‑heating operators are under pressure to cut emissions while keeping heat affordable. As large‑scale heat pumps become central to this strategy, the way these units are controlled—particularly with regard to electricity prices and weather forecasts—can have a profound impact on operating costs. This article explores how forecast data, specifically spot prices, heat demand and ambient temperature, influence optimisation outcomes. Using full‑year simulations in CleanDesign, we compare four strategies: a baseline control with no foresight, and rolling optimisations with 1‑, 3‑ and 7‑day forecast windows. The results show that even modest improvements in foresight can yield significant cost reductions and smarter use of thermal storage.

Reading Time: 3 minutesWith rising electricity costs, the electrification of heat, and the increasing role of heat pumps in district heating systems, choosing the right grid connection can significantly impact annual operating costs. This article compares four different Danish electricity grid tariffs: B-lav, B-høj, A-lav, and A-høj, for a district heating system with a large heat pump and accumulation tank. The results provide insights into how grid connection affects operational costs and peak demand exposure. Simulations are done using CleanDesign and hourly 2024 electricity spot prices.