Spatial analysis of district heating

Objective

Developing a tool for analyzing the spatial aspects of a district heating system and possibilities for linking to an energy system modeling tool.

Background

Spatial analysis is one of the strong tool that can complement energy systems models and aid in contextualizing the results in depth. Spatial analysis can aid in identifying locations, examining the geographical potential of technologies and also exclude conflict areas, if any. In this project the student would develop a spatial tool to integrate with existing energy system model which will be developed for a specific case study (eg. excess heat recovery, extension of transmission lines etc.). The tool will be developed preferably in python using its spatial packages.

Learning outcomes:

• Linking GIS based models with energy system optimization models
• Using GIS based models to optimize capacities and layouts for an energy system

Deliverables/Outputs

• Brief literature review of GIS based tools for district heating
• A python based GIS model for optimization of energy systems
• Exploration of soft linking these models with an energy system optimization model

Prerequisites

• Basic knowledge of programming in python is required
• Experience with optimization modeling packages in python such as PULP, Pyomo etc. could be beneficial

Research Areas:

• Energy systems and innovation
• Open Tools for Systems Science

Duration

Duration: 6 Months, Start: January 2023

Supervision

Relevant links

1. iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/aa7e18/meta
2. www.researchgate.net/publication/349541794_Influence_of_Electrification_Pathways_in_the Electricity_Sector_of_Ethiopia-Policy_Implications_Linking_Spatial_Electrification_Analysis_and_Medium_t
3. www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2542435120303482?via%3Dihub
4. github.com/oemof/DHNx