Project
Model Predictive Control of Fourth Generation District Heating Networks
Decarbonisation of the energy system results in an increased share of renewable and residual energy sources which leads in the heating sector to electrification in rural areas and an expansion of district heating (DH) networks in urban areas. Fourth generation DH (4GDH) networks, characterised by low network temperatures, multiple injection points, and a prosuming heat demand side, are one of the crucial technologies to be integrated in future sustainable energy systems. However, these complex networks require a good control strategy. Model predictive control (MPC) is put forward as a suitable optimal control strategy for (4G)DH networks.
Current research on the use of MPC to control DH networks does not focus on 4GDH, shows a lack of detail in the models used, and/or provides no scalable solution. The scientific goal of the proposed research is to derive a mathematical representation of 4GDH networks and develop a framework for MPC of 4GDH networks which is scalable and allows for the optimisation of non-linear systems. The generic approach followed in the research will also make it possible to use the MPC framework for other applications like DH networks of an older generation, district cooling networks, and industrial thermal networks.