Assessment of Simultaneous Heating Demands for Consumer Groups

The paper presents the determination of the simultaneity factor in district heating systems based on the simultaneous heat demand level of a group of consumers. The simultaneity factor is formed on a probability theory basis, involving a prescribed risk. The simultaneity factor is a ratio that indicates the proportion of the aggregated nominal heat demand of consumers that occurs at a specific time. As known, the simultaneity factor is less than one. Knowledge of the simultaneity factor allows us to uncover performance reserve capacity in a district heating system. This way, there are often opportunities for expanding district heating systems, connecting new consumers, and improving the economic efficiency of operation.