IEA DHC TS4 – Digitization of district heating: Optimization of operation and maintenance of district heating and cooling networks by means of digital process management
In the context of the Mission2030 climate and energy strategy, digitization is attributed a key function for the decentralization, flexibilization and efficient use of energy and mobility. While there are already various digitization activities in the electricity grid sector, the district heating sector is still at the beginning in this regard. However, the current transition toward decentralized heating networks with very high shares of renewable energies and waste heat requires a higher demand for data and a dynamic approach, which means that the use of digital analysis and optimization methods represents significant added value. At the same time, challenges such as related business models, data security and privacy, and data ownership issues need to be addressed.
The aim of the IEA DHC Annex TS4 is to identify the opportunities of digitalization for operation (and maintenance) of district heating/district cooling (DRC) systems and to optimize the integration of digital processes. This includes the presentation of the current state of the art, raising awareness of the benefits of implementing digital processes, assessing non-technical aspects such as legal and regulatory barriers, developing innovative business models, and elaborating goals, targets and recommendations. The IEA DHC Annex TS4 is divided into the following subtasks:
- Subtask A: Digitization of End-Use
- Subtask B: Digitization of infrastructure (digital twin)
- Subtask C: Digitization at system level
- Subtask D: Digitization of business processes
- Subtask E: Dissemination measures
The primary outcome of the annex is a handbook that summarizes the results of the subtasks and puts the national activities into an international context. Furthermore, it is planned to create short summaries for decision makers.
