Modelling of 4th generation district heating systems integrated with different thermal energy storage technologies – Methodology

•A simulation model was created for DH systems with heat supplied from RHS and TES.•Hourly heat demands, heat production, and heat transfer to/from TES are calculated.•Heat losses from dwellings, TES and pipes are calculated on an hourly basis.•Thermal energy storage modelling is informed by recent findings in this area.•The model enables DH system optimisation to minimise cost and maximise ηDH. A model was established that allows the simulation and analysis of the performance of a district heating (DH) system supplied with heat generated from renewable sources (RHS) and a selection of different types of thermal energy storage (TES) systems. The model uses hourly weather data, building specifications and occupancies to calculate i) hourly domestic heat demands for both space and domestic hot water heating and ii) hourly heat produced by RHS. The heat flow to and from sources to loads and TES systems is calculated on an hourly basis. The model calculates hourly heat losses from dwellings, TES and pipes, and takes into consideration recent research related to latent and thermochemical heat storage systems. The model developed enables the analysis of the effects of different district heating system operating parameters (including installed capacity and penetration of different RHS, thermal energy storage capacity, number and distribution of TES) on system cost and system energy efficiency. The ultimate goal of developing the model was the determination of a system specification and operating conditions that i) minimises cost and ii) maximises the overall energy efficiency of the network while ensuring that domestic heat demands are met on an hourly basis for a specified time-period in an existing or planned town or urban area.