OptSmallGrids – Opimization of small district heating systems

Future energy networks should ensure affordable, secure (resilient), climate-friendly and ecologically reasonable energy supply systems. Researchers are very busy in this field of research and development and various new technologies and concepts have been developed so far and are almost ready for the market. To make these research activities and new technologies available for small and medium-sized district heating networks with low R&D and planning budgets it is necessary to have a catalogue of technologies and expertise available in order to enable efficient and cost-effective planning processes. To further develop existing heating networks in respect of technological advancements optimization is essential. A systematic method for step by step optimization and new business models motivating operators and customers of heating networks shall be developed.

The addressed R&D activities will be implemented by three Styrian companies active in the field of planning of district heating networks and heat supply systems together with a leading Styrian research institute and will on the one hand increase the companies’ expertise and expand their business areas and on the other hand significantly increase efficiency and CO₂ reduction of network-attached heating supply systems.