Cluster of Excellence Integrated Energy SystemsDigitalization as the key to a more efficient and resource-saving district heating supply
Heating networks are a key lever for climate protection in the building sector. In order to efficiently integrate renewable energies and waste heat and to operate the heating networks optimally, the infrastructure needs to be digitalized.
To date, district heating in Germany, as in most other European countries, is predominantly of fossil origin, but in the course of decarbonization, natural gas and coal must be replaced as heat sources by renewable energies and unavoidable waste heat.
Efficient and flexible cooperation between technologies is required to convert heat generation accordingly. Only limited personnel, financial and time resources are available for the conversion of the systems; digitalization allows further automation of the processes and enables highly efficient operation of the systems.
By using artificial intelligence, standardized and optimized processes as well as a technically much more sophisticated and optimized operation can be implemented much faster. This would enable district heating systems to meet future requirements for flexibility, the integration of renewable energies and cost-efficient operation.