Upscaling a district heating system based on biogas cogeneration and heat pumps

The energy supply of the Meppel district Nieuwveense landen is based on biogas cogeneration, district heating, and ground source heat pumps. A centrally located combined heat and power engine (CHP) converts biogas from the municipal wastewater treatment facility into electricity for heat pumps and heat for district heating purposes. Development of the urban district is influenced by the current economic and building decline. For the district heating energy concept, a migration strategy for the required infrastructure is required. The migration spans the district’s small-scale starting phase involving 40 houses up to a scale of 176 houses. An optimization model which maximizes profitability is developed which includes data from district heating and cooling demand patterns. With the optimization model, optimal CHP size, boiler size, and operational hours are determined for various scenarios. From the scenario analysis, a migration strategy is developed which starts with a simple system concept supported by boilers to a larger system which includes a CHP. Sustainability in terms of CO2 emission savings of the energy concept is compared with other possible energy concepts