Bartłomiej Ciapała MSc Eng. is RES expert working in AGH UST Centre for Sustainable Development and Energy Savings, Kraków, Poland. His scientific activity is aimed at the use of local renewable resources with respect to social and economical conditions. The main area of interest is the use of low-temperature geothermal resources by means of heat pumps, low- and ultra-low-temperature district heating systems and implementation of variable energy sources to the national power grid and multi-energy systems.  Sees the future of the energy sector as part of the smart world, where integrative management and risk acceptation lead to optimal use of resources. Recently has finished work in Interreg GeoPLASMA-CE project, which was set to assess and promote shallow geothermal energy potential.

Abstract:

Pipeless district heating – what DH’s customer actually buys?

For a customer, „district heating” does not actually mean the same as for a professional. Usually, the customer is not interested in pipes, heat sources etc. As long as sanitary hot water and space heating is reliably provided. Then, the client does not buy heat transferred from more or less environmentally friendly heat source via kilometres of enormous pipes to his very own radiator. What customers actually buy is serviceless, reliable heat, which is provided. If so, for the vast majority of the citizens, in district heating much more important is it’s organisational than technological aspect.

This creates an opportunity for a new concept of district heating – pipeless district heating and the operation that focuses more on providing heat from clever sources rather than central sources. More on proper dimensioning and environmental footprint limitation rather than economical calculations and long-lasting design of new pipelines’ routes.

Workshop/presentation is aimed to present the most crucial moments in the operational and financial model, to discuss difficulties and possible improvements in the proposed scheme.