Experimental Analysis of a Heat Cost Allocation Method for Apartment Buildings

Abstract

Abstract:The correct estimate of individual thermal energy consumptions, and consequently, a fair heat cost allocation among the residents of apartment buildings with centralized heating systems, represents an important driving force towards energy saving, energy efficiency and the reduction of pollutant emissions. Nowadays, in those contexts where direct heat meters cannot be used because of the layout of the hot water distribution system, electronic Heat Cost Allocators (HCAs) have the highest market share for the assessment of individual thermal energy consumptions. The uncertainty associated with the parameterization of heat cost allocation devices and the installation effects arising in real applications can negatively affect the accuracy of these devices, as far as the estimation of the individual fractions of thermal energy consumption is concerned. This work deals with the experimental analysis of a novel heat cost allocation method for apartment buildings and its comparison with conventional HCAs. The method allows the indirect estimation of the thermal energy exchanged by water radiators without the need for surface temperature measurements, reducing some of the drawbacks associated with the on-site installation. The experimental analysis was carried out in a full-scale central heating system test facility available at the Italian National Metrology Institute (INRIM) and characterized by SI-traceable direct heat meters installed on each water radiator.

A novel measurement method for accurate heat accounting in historical buildings

“…The test facility (Figure 3) consists of a full-scale central heating system with 40 radiators characterized by different shapes, hydraulic connections, dimensions and materials, installed on four levels and connected through a hydraulic circuit which can be automatically set in order to simulate alternatively raising mains or single pipe horizontal distribution plant configuration. The test facility allows testing both conventional and innovative heat accounting systems and methods in experimental conditions similar to the operational ones [14,15]. The experimental mockup has been configured with vertical raising main distribution, which is the typical application case of the indirect heat accounting through HCAs in historical buildings.…”

A comprehensive review on heat accounting and cost allocation in residential buildings in EU

“…The heat exchanged during the transient of the valve closure is also considered for the estimation of heat consumption. Recently, a novel indirect heat cost allocation method has been proposed by Saba et al [106]. The method, based on steady-state indirect estimation of radiator thermal output, showed a maximum deviation of about 10% respect to the heat cost allocation provided through the use of EN 442 [107,108] model for radiator thermal output estimation.…”

Metrological and operational issues during subsequent verification of thermal energy meters

“…Measurement and billing of thermal energy in residential and commercial buildings is a very debated topic among the scientific community since several technical, metrological and consumer protection issues are involved [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Individual heat metering, in fact, is considered an effective tool to improve energy savings in the residential sector, and the Energy Efficiency Directive 2012/27/EU (EED) has set the obligation for buildings supplied by central heating sources, or served by district heating/cooling networks, to install individual metering systems for sharing cost of space heating/cooling and domestic hot water.…”