A tool for integrated analysis of multi-vector district energy networks

The widespread use of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) units, micro-CHP, gas boilers and heat pumps is more and more increasing the linkages between electricity, heat and gas networks. This is particularly true at the district level, where the vision of having smarter cities is calling for new models that are capable to assess in an integrated fashion the downsides and upsides of the tighter interactions of multiple energy vectors. In this outlook, a multi-temporal simulation model, which has been implemented in a relevant Matlab-Excel VBA tool, is presented in this paper for integrated analysis of electricity, heat and gas distribution networks, with specific applications to district energy systems. Electrical, hydraulic, and thermal flow equations for the different networks are explicitly considered and solved using the Newton-Raphson technique, and the linkages through conversion components are explicitly modelled. Using time series data, the model investigates the impact of a variety of technology options on the three networks. A real case study of a multi-vector district at the University of Manchester illustrates the use of the model.