A System Design for Distributed Energy Generation in Low-Temperature District Heating (LTDH) Networks

A multi-vector community energy system integrating a heating network, electricity grid and PV production to manage an electrified community

“…( 1), where 𝑄 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 is the heat supply from electric heaters (kJ), 𝜗 𝑠𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 is the setting temperature on household tanks, 𝜗 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑘 is the actual water temperature delivered to household tanks (°C), 𝐶 𝑝 is the specific heat (kJ/kg°C) and 𝑚 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑘 is the mass of water in household tanks (kg). The actual water temperature delivered to household tanks is gained by testing a LTDH system in the University of Nottingham [48].…”

“…To factor in the heat loss of heat exchangers, the heat provided by the LTDH system (𝑄 𝐿𝑇𝐷𝐻 ) is divided by the efficiency (η 𝑒𝑥𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟 ) of heat exchangers that is obtained by testing the system in the University of Nottingham [48]. The calculation formula is Eq.…”

Smart local energy systems (SLES): A framework for exploring transition, context, and impacts

“…By engaging local and community actors in new ways, more local provision of energy systems and services offer the potential to deliver greater energy equity and benefits to the local community. There was recognition that smart local energy systems could help by making energy more affordable, reducing energy bills, improving comfort and quality of life [43,47]. It could also open up energy product choices and opportunities to consumers to participate in market [67], and deliver a fairer energy system [43].…”

Smart Local Energy Systems (SLES): A framework for exploring transition, context, and impacts

“…• the technology and physical components of a system that deliver certain attributes, such as flexibility and connectivity, that make it smart ○ "Smart energy systems are complex networks of smart grids...", [48] ○ "a networked and embedded platform for realizing a dynamic energy mix and optimizing the energy consumption dynamically" [30] • These attributes of 'smartness' such as flexibility and connectivity, ○ "the essential features of a Smart Energy System lies in digitization, informatization, automation, interaction, intellectualization, accurate measurement, extensive communication, autonomous control and wide compatibility." [21] • Or the purpose of the system; objectives such as carbon reduction, network and supply resilience, or equity that can be achieved because of these attributes ○ "merging electricity, heating and transport sector helps to create the most fuel-efficient energy system, implement large amounts of fluctuating energy resources and reduce overall costs of the system" [20] The expectation is that smart energy systems will provide energy in a manner that is more cost effective [37], more efficient [40], more reliable [35], cleaner [42] and fairer [36]. This reflects concerns raised in the interviews around the disctinction between "smart" and "good".…”

“…convenient for locals to access and take part in the system [32], • individual, e.g. reducing energy bills, improving comfort and quality of life [36,40], • for the community, e.g. achieving similar benefits for vulnerable locals, boosting local employment and growth [33], or • wider, value-based needs, e.g.…”