Hourly energy analysis and feasibility study of employing a thermocline TES system for an integrated CHP and DH network

摘要

The employment of a TES system to improve the performance of a DH network integrated with a CHP station is investigated. Thermal energy demand fluctuations is the main issue threatening the viability of CHP/DH projects; therefore, TES facility can be coupled with CHP plant by a smart operation strategy to match the production and consumption profiles, and result in better consequences. To evaluate the system performance and energy saving potential, the hourly simulation of a thermocline hot water storage tank coupled with CHP/DH network is carried out, considering annual thermal load of the DH network. Optimal TES size is investigated from energetic, environmental and economical viewpoints. Results depict that by coupling five 1100 m~3 hot water storage tanks with CHP/DH plant, the annual CHP efficiency increases by 1.12%, and annual fuel consumption rate and CO_2 emissions decrease by 2.6%.