Smart thermal grid at Delft University Campus

Delft University of Technology wishes to be a prime example of an academic campus with energy efficiency measures and sustainably sourced power. One of the areas being investigated is the district heating system (DHS) at the campus. A model predictive control (MPC) system will be required that determines the minimum supply temperature and optimal use of the different sources. This MPC system is based on two simulation packages. The first is Low Energy Architecture (developed by Deerns), which can be used to minimise the supply temperature while providing a comfortable climate inside the building. The second is the Deltares Wanda package, which can be used to simulate hydraulic and thermal transients in pipeline systems like a DHS. Wanda is used to determine the source usage and required supply temperature on the basis of the results of the Low Energy Architecture simulation for optimal source usage with minimal carbon dioxide output.