A tool for simulating heat sharing opportunities between multiple buildings

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a tool for simulating heat sharing opportunities between multiple buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on a building simulation model, HAMBase, in combination with an analytical programming code using MatLab.

Findings

The tool provides a quick insight in possibilities for district heat sharing. It is able to operate without using too many parameters. From the results, it can be derived that storage tanks provide a great advantage in performance over the direct heat demand and supply method.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations are as follows: the used models are based on assumptions plus values derived from literature and a verification that is based on energy balance rules; and the MatLab code is verified by checking for possible errors, but is not completely validated.

Originality/value

The main value of the work is that the presented methodology behind the tool is generally applicable and implementable in other models.

Citation

Botman, R. and Schijndel, J.v. (2017), "A tool for simulating heat sharing opportunities between multiple buildings", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 28 No. 4, pp. 549-565. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEQ-10-2015-0182