Abstract
Energy conversion and distribution of heat and electricity is characterized by long planning horizons, investment periods and depreciation times, and it is thus difficult to plan and tell the technology that optimally fits for decades. Uncertainties include future energy prices, applicable subsidies, regulation, and even the evolution of market designs. To achieve higher adaptability to arbitrary transition paths, a technical concept based on integrated energy systems is envisioned and described. The problem of intermediate steps of evolution is tackled by introducing a novel paradigm in urban infrastructure design. It builds on standardization, modularization and economies of scale for underlying conversion units. Building on conceptual arguments for such a platform, it is then argued how actors like (among others) municipalities and district heating system operators can use this as a practical starting point for a manageable and smooth transition towards more environmental friendly supply technologies, and to commit to their own pace of transition (bearable investment/risk). Merits are not only supported by technical arguments but also by strategical and societal prospects like technology neutrality and availability of real options.
Highlights
Many countries show a high heat demand [1] which goes along with significant carbon emissions.One means to decarbonize the heat supply is given by more efficient combined heat and power (CHP)approaches
It is worth noting that the term bridging systems has been presented in the context of planning of integrated energy systems in [27], and the corresponding Figure 1 indicates that the optimal path of realization stages towards a final optimum might change in the course of time, which clearly underlines the necessity to deal with the problem of any time transitions
On the left hand side of the conversion units, there is a bus bar-like hydraulic configuration box that is itself directly connected to the district heating network (DHS)
Summary
Many countries show a high heat demand [1] which goes along with significant carbon emissions. While CHP is one specific technology that integrates heat and power delivery, other grids can be considered for integration as well: For instance, natural gas can be stored in pipelines with neglectable losses [2,3] while electricity can be transmitted efficiently over long distances. The return on invest is often low while payback times are found to be high, even if additional business cases like the provision of operating reserve to connected grids from such systems is considered. Another reason for low adoption rates is the multitude of risks and uncertainties that threaten these business cases
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
