The impact of district heating network adoption on achieving zero carbon targets

This study formulates a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model to examine the impact of district heating networks 011 the delivery of on-site carbon reduction targets for new mixed-use, multiphase urban development projects over their entire construction cycle. The model is formulated to design district energy systems, e.g. technology selection, unit sizing, and distribution network configuration, with the objective of minimising economic cost. A number of fuel and network configuration scenarios are developed, and their relative cost-effectiveness for achieving zero carbon emissions is assessed. Further analysis is carried out to determine if off-site interventions, i.e. allowable solutions, can be employed to meet emission reduction shortfalls. Copyright © 2011 by IPAC'11/EPS-AG.