Sustainability
Flexumers can reduce usage of fossil fuels and enable more renewable energy.
Flexumers can reduce usage of expensive fossil fuels and enable more renewable energy.
Flexumers can reduce consumption and secure an even and fair distribution in cases of critical supply issues.
Security of supply
Cost
Figure 2: The fundamental DH utility criteria to stay relevant for customers and consumers are fully supported by flexumers.
Flexumers can contribute significantly to district heating Flexumers can support the DH system in all aspects of the fundamental balancing criteria for district heating utility services. Sustainability The ability to flexibly respond to the demands of the energy system is vital for introducing and using more renewable energy sources. Flexibility can reduce consumption of fossil fuel usage by minimizing the need for short-term peak load heat production on fossil fuels, as well as supporting PTH production to mainly operate when electricity prices are low and based on renewable energy sources, and vice versa. Security of supply (resilience) Security of supply and resilience are even more relevant in Europe’s current tense security situation. The application of DSM is a method for managing and controlling energy demand to prioritize the security of supply. In DH, this is already implemented in large DH cities such as Stockholm and Helsinki as a prioritized part of their strategy to increase security of supply. Here, the utility companies are allowed to override the control of customers’ DH substations in cases where the supply is challenged. Hence, they can distribute the available DH fairly and evenly among all customers, as well as prioritize critical customers such as hospitals and elderly homes. Cost (affordability) Fossil-fueled peak load boilers are also the most expensive production units in the DH system and must be phased out as soon as possible. PTH production is heavily dependent on electricity prices; therefore, even a few hours of flexibility can be very valuable in terms of cost for the energy system.
Being able to reduce short-term peak loads during the coldest hours of the coldest day(s) will also contribute to a reduced need, thereby decreasing investments in peak load facilities. Digitalization of district heating substations There are a few significant enablers for realizing the flexumer concept. These are well-managed energy-efficient buildings and online DH substations. With online DH substations, additional benefits can be realized in the buildings, such as: ✓ 3-5% energy savings due to access to online predictive control utilizing weather forecasts. ✓ Better operation and maintenance, resulting in lower supply and return temperatures. ✓ Fewer and more dedicated installer visits. ✓ Introduction of new energy-efficient products and services The increased digitalization of DH substations must, of course, not compromise the security of supply at either the customer’s or the DH company’s end. Furthermore, customers should also ensure the safe and reliable operation of their district substations in the event of an offline scenario. How to introduce flexumers to district heating sys tems? Activating flexibility through the override of customers’ substations can be achieved in various ways, depending on the specific national legislation. In Sweden, it is done by requiring access to the substation via legislation and/or “technical terms of delivery”. In Denmark, the legislation does not allow this approach. Here, flexumers can only be activated through voluntary agreements between the DH company and the customers. Incentives such as a reduced fixed tariff or availability compensation for customers could be used for recruiting flexumers, but this also depends on local legislation.
24 HOTCOOL SPECIAL COLLECTION edition 2, 2025
Powered by FlippingBook