Determination of the appropriate boundary conditions and context for a successful implementation of thermal networks

The implementation of thermal networks depends heavily on the situation and the context: the weather, the existance of old networks, the type of building, the availability of energy at a low marginal cost (for example geothermal heat, cheap "waste" heat of companies or thermal power plants, "excessive" electric production of wind and/or solar power), the presence of a well established gas distribution network, etc. That means that it is necessary to determine the boundary conditions before the realisation and exploitation of thermal networks.

The use of intelligent networks differs significantly from the "classic" heat district. The correct use of these networks need to take the complete system integration into account including the thermal sector, the electric system (including the grid) and the gas system (including the grid). The "business case" often stands or falls with the cost of placing the network and the total heat demand. The evaluation of a heat grid changes significantly if the investment is already done. It seems to be more interesting to start from existing networks (due to the "sunk cost"); on the other hand, their presence can be a disadvantage because more intelligent thermal networks can offer more possibilities (like heating and cooling), resulting in more opportunities.

An important aspect of the implementation of thermal networks is the transition of, for example, individual gas heating to a more centralized philosophy. Small micro-CHP with local thermal storage, the future renewable methane (from "power-to-gas"-conversion) and possible competition need to be taken into account as well. The temperature of the intelligent networks also takes an important part in the study of the boundary conditions.

The purpose of the study on the boundary conditions is to develop a system decision model based on scenario's (What if...) and fitting criteria that take into account the characteristics of all sectors/systems: heat, gas, electricity, ... residential, tertiary, industrial, ... The evaluation of thermal networks also depends on the transition to such a grid - this mainly holds for the "turnover" of existing situations.
The market and economical context should not be omitted. It is assumed that there is a market philosophy with the government in a supervisory role. Even in a completely regulated world (if this world would ever return) in which the government decides whatever it likes, wrong choiches will lead to unnecessary costs for society.