Modelling and optimisation of a decentralised heat network and energy centre in London Docklands

The following project aims to create a decentralised heat network development methodology which makes best use of heat sources and loads and can be widely applied to evaluate the energy economics of a heat network scheme and energy centre. As the energy transition takes shape, the key is connectivity and the potential now, or in the future to aid progressive development of energy systems and technologies rather than traditional models that consider schemes individually in isolation and not holistically; where with the latter we’re more likely to end up with robust, future-proof solutions. A methodology was formulated which encompassed various elements of decentralised energy masterplanning approaches and enabled heat demand loads and associated profiles to be simulated. The development of an optimisation model enabled strategies to be devised (maximisation of energy generation and revenue independently) over a set technology lifetime for the energy centre. The results have concluded that the maximisation of revenue optimisation strategy is the most viable economically. An energy generation optimisation for the energy centre produced optimal results in terms of its heat generation profile, however, the scheme was not economically viable due to significantly high capital costs associated with piping connections to multiple clusters. A CO2 emission analysis was carried out for a selection of energy technologies (CHP, heat pumps and gas boilers) for the heat network energy centre. An evaluation of the results has concluded that the optimal selection of technology for the energy centre for the minimisation of CO2 emissions is heat pumps. When selecting combinations of technologies for peak and base loads within the energy centre, heat pumps (base load) and gas boilers (peak load) are optimal when aiming to maximise revenue generation whilst minimising CO2 emissions. In this case, reductions in associated CO2 emissions have been calculated to achieve up to 89.07% when compared to a base case gas boiler technology (energy centre) scenario alone. The methodology and models developed in this project can be widely applied to decentralised heat network projects in London in order to identify optimal development and expansion strategies and evaluate the energy economics of schemes