Sustainable district optimization with coupled power and district heating networks

In a framework where the integration of renewable energy sources has a crucial role for addressing global energy challenges, optimal operations of the heating must be correctly addressed. This paper addresses the optimization of integrated electric and thermal networks in the context of smart grids with District Heating Networks (DHNs). It presents an Energy Management System (EMS) for efficient management, considering thermal models for buildings. Through a real case study at the Savona Campus, encompassing a smart polygeneration microgrid and DHN, the proposed model ensures temperature regulation while minimizing costs. Results demonstrate precise temperature control, particularly in highly responsive buildings like the Savona Campus. Copyright (C) 2024 The Authors. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)