DHC-PL — Technical and economic study on the possibility of using heat from DH network for simultaneous heat and cold production for air-conditioning in domestic DH systems

Aim of project
The aim of this project is to analyze the possibility and cost-effectiveness of using heat from DH network for simultaneous heat and cold production. Technical and economic optimization of the parameters of water from a DH system which feeds absorption chillers will be carried out.

The project will also cover comparative analysis of the cost of cold produced on the basis of heat from a DH network with the cost of cold obtained in traditional compressor chillers. The analysis will take into account the main effects of increasing the temperature of network water from a DH system for the triple-generation purpose, including effects in CHP and district network (with transmission losses and pumping costs of water transportation from CHP to connecting stations).

The results will allow to explain a crucial scientific problem — successful and effective introduction of triple-generation to Polish district heating systems.

They are, therefore, of great practical importance especially in making decisions regarding improvement of effectiveness of domestic DH systems.

Expected results
The result of the project will be developing the method allowing to examine the effectiveness of DH systems which produce electricity, heat and cold for air-conditioning. We take into consideration DH systems using heat from heat and power plants (CHP).

The obtained results will have practical importance when making decisions of introducing triple-generation to domestic DH systems. The optimal level of temperature of water from DH system in the summer will be given.

The results will also be useful in designing new and retrofi tting existing DH systems.

Replacing conventional technology of cold production in compressor chillers with systems like AAC or DEC has a measurable effect—elimination of freons, harmful to the environment. In the AAC system, they are replaced with lithium bromide, which is neutral to the environment. In the DEC system, cooling substance (except water and air) is completely eliminated.

The determinant, which stimulates introduction of new technologies, is connected with international conventions on ozone layer protection. Those conventions oblige countries to eliminate GHG (especially CFCs and HCFCs), which have a harmful eff ect on the environment and global warming.