Implementation of a strategy for low-temperature operation of radiator systems using data from existing digital heat cost allocators

Low-temperature district heating (LTDH) networks can integrate sustainable energy sources and waste industrial heat towards decarbonisation goals by 2050. LTDH networks can be realised through the low-temperature operation of heating systems in buildings. However, the low-temperature operation of heating systems is obstructed by inefficient radiator control by end-users or other technical errors. This study investigated the implementation of a strategy for low-temperature operation of radiator systems by calculating the minimum supply temperature and using an innovative treatment of data from electronic heat cost allocators to identify radiators not in use and locate the critical apartments with higher heat demands. According to the results, the low-temperature operation of radiator systems is possible. Although, the minimum supply temperature should be calculated based on the higher heat demand of the critical apartment identified to avoid complaints regarding poor thermal comfort. An energy weighted average supply temperature of 55 °C can be achieved, resulting in an average energy weighted return temperature of 31.3 °C in the system. Testing of a reduced supply temperature in the building case highlighted the existence of critical apartments. The investigation highlighted that the increased heat loss to the poorly heated neighbouring apartments heavily influences the critical apartments.