New experimental facility for innovative district heating systems—District LAB

Abstract

Low temperature district heating (LTDH) is a key technology for the efficient integration of renewable energies and waste heat in our energy systems. Energy system studies indicate that a further development of LTDH systems is needed for a decarbonization of the heating sector and to reach the climate goals, but is also put in question. To face these challenges, research on innovative district heating concepts is required like the feed-in of decentralized renewable energy or the design of new modes of operation.Against this background, the new experimental facility District LAB is set up serving as a test and development platform for innovative district heating systems in close cooperation with collaborates from industry and research. By using the facility, it is targeted to investigate the system behaviour of flexible heating networks, to conduct component tests and to develop innovative control concepts for new management strategies. To reach these goals the District LAB consists of a flexible heating grid, a pipe test bench for mechanical tests and management respectively control units. This way the possibilities of the already existing facilities are expanded. Compared to tests in real operating district heating grid (demonstration) the experimental environment is more flexible since no public utility mandate is connected to the facility.A first started project comprises three different fields of research as investigations of new operational strategies or digitalization, tests of components and the development or validation of simulation tools. The results of the project and the knowledge generated at the District LAB will make a significant contribution to the decarbonization,​ transformation and digitization of district heating.The paper presents a more detailed description of the District LAB and the started research activities to foster the discussion about needed research and to invite possible partners from academia and industry for future cooperation.