In-situ validation of a sizing method for the combined production and distribution of heat for space heating and domestic hot water

Abstract

To maximize the sustainable and economic benefits of collective heating systems, proper sizing is fundamental. This paper presents the validation of a novel sizing approach for collective systems producing and distributing heat for both space heating and domestic hot water, utilizing residential heat meter data. A validation methodology is developed to overcome the limitations of this type of data to identify the peak heat demand and estimate the peak heat demand under design outdoor conditions. The latter is estimated utilizing multiple linear regression coupled with an analysis of the maximum deviations. The power-storage characteristic, which shows all combinations of thermal power and thermal storage to meet the peak heat demand is determined and used to validate the novel sizing approach for six case studies. Although the results are promising, undersizing problems may arise in cases with decentralized heat storage.