Transformation of an existing into a Fourth Generation Heating Network

Abstract Various concepts for reduction of grid losses and innovative heat supply concepts are compared. Line-wise intra-year variation is highly economical in networks with low domestic hot water demand. Intra-day variation to charge decentral storages once a day requires higher flow temperatures, which in the considered network even increases overall losses. The two considered heat generation concepts are a low temperature network with decentral heat pumps and a Heat Dispatch Centre, where heat pump, biomass-gasification with combined heat and power and supply from primary network are connected in series. Running costs, specific emissions and Primary Energy Factor are considerably lower for the Heat Dispatch Centre, but due to lower investments and maintenance costs for the low temperature network it results in 2 €ct lower heat generation price of 11.5 €ct/kWh (incl. 20 % investment funding).