District energy models: A comparative assessment of features and criteria for tools selection

[Display omitted] •A comparative assessment of district energy modelling tools was carried out.•Different levels of data detail and features for reliable results were explored.•A lack of robustness for result validation at the district level was identified.•29 energy modelling tools were evaluated with a focus on result validation.•The capabilities of such tools were stressed based on different criteria. In order to reach the goal of reducing emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and achieving decarbonization by 2050, the increasing emphasis on net-zero energy buildings/districts encourages the development of advanced modelling tools to better design and manage district energy systems. This paper presents a critical review of such tools, considering the different detail level of building data and analysing the reliability of obtainable results. Initially, it elaborates on the characteristics of data resources and formats, energy demand representations of individual buildings, and the interconnection between individual buildings and districts, which are subsequently used to analyse the accuracy level of case studies. Then, the most used evaluation criteria for comparing tools are revised. Five categories are defined: (i) input data and representation of buildings, (ii) district energy system components (i.e., generation, distribution, storage), (iii) outdoor environment, (iv) user behaviour and mobility, and (v) validation and licencing. 29 tools suitable for district energy systems modelling are critically analysed with a focus on accuracy and validation, as well as on their application and future perspectives. The results highlighted the importance of data reliability in modelling approaches and results. Difficulties in achieving accurate results included robust data acquisition, interconnection among individual buildings, outdoor environment, and modelling approaches. The results also emphasized that, although no tools can cover all the possible features at the current stage, this study can support the selection of the most suitable tool for specific applications at the district scale.