Dynamic simulation of district heating systems

Simulation is commonly used within the domain of district heating, both as a strategical decision support tool and as an operational optimisation tool. Traditionally such simulation work is done by separating the distribution models from the production models, thus avoiding the intricacies found in combining these models. This separation, however, invariably leads to less than satisfying results in a number of instances. To alleviate these problems we have worked to develop a simulation tool which combines the physical and financial dynamics throughout the entire process of production, distribution and consumption within a district heating system.