Quantification of heat losses and gains of 5th generation district heating and cooling networks compared to conventional heating networks

The fourth and fifth generation of district heating (GDH) networks are among the key elements for the energy optimization of districts. Low heat losses in the distribution lines as well as bidirectional heat flow and the use of low‐temperature waste heat can lead to new business models for energy suppliers. Despite the continuous development of heat networks, significant heat losses still occur in conventional networks, despite well insulated pipelines, with fluid temperatures at 60 °C to 100 °C. Therefore, a study was conducted to investigate heat losses and gains in hot water heating (3GDH), low temperature heating (4GDH) and district heating and cooling networks (5GDHC) based on numerous simulations. The main purpose of the investigations is to deter‐mine the main factors influencing the heat transfer characteristics of underground heat networks. The derived results serve as a basis for the development of future planning tools to determine the heat losses and gains of local heating networks quickly and cost‐efficiently.