Sector coupling
Digitalisation and networking of energy systems to integrate renewable energies into the municipal district heating supply
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Introduction
Sector coupling measures focus on reducing flow temperatures to increase efficiency and integrating renewable energies into the district heating network of Dresden.
The goal
The aim of the sector coupling measure is not only to contribute to the decarbonization of the district heating supply, but also to establish a model for similar projects in other cities, particularly in regions with a high proportion of district heating.
Smart Energy and Environment
Focus topic
completed
Project status
2022-2025
Duration
Friedrichstadt
Area of application
1.5 million euros
Budget
Sector coupling
The most important information
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What are the environmental benefits of sector coupling?
Improving energy efficiency and using renewable energies should reduce the CO₂ emissions of the entire district heating system in Dresden in the long term.
How does the sector coupling measure improve everyday life?
The project aims to provide affordable and attractive living space by efficiently combining different heating requirements.
What are the benefits of the project?
Citizens benefit from the advantages of a more efficient and environmentally friendly system and were informed about the project on site. This transparency is intended to promote understanding of complex energy flows and the intelligent networking of systems.
How can I get involved?
As part of the Friedrichstadt neighbourhood festival, the project managers were on hand to answer questions from local residents, discuss the links between the digital systems and the technical systems for heat generation and present the effects and results of the measure.
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DrewagDigitalisation of the district heating supply
A digital twin of the district heating network was created in order to simulate various load scenarios and optimise network stability and heat pump efficiency. The components of the district heating system in the neighbourhood were digitally networked for this purpose. This enables precise control of the energy flows in the neighbourhood.
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AdobeStock l BERLINSTOCKSmarte control systems
Intelligent house connection stations (iHAST) are part of the digitally networked system, the digital twin, and play a central role in modern district heating supply. They differ from conventional house connection stations (HAST) in their ability to transmit data, communicate and control remotely. These functions enable more efficient control of heat distribution and help to optimize the entire energy system.
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AdobeStock l EmmaStockSector coupling
In order to implement sector coupling, intelligent house connection stations were used in district heating systems, similar to Smart metres in the electricity supply. Sector coupling is part of the energy and heating transition and describes the networking of the electricity, heating, transport and industrial sectors, which were previously considered separately. The aim is to drive decarbonisation and replace fossil fuels by using renewable energies in all sectors.
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AdobeStock l BussarinSustainability in everyday life
Operating costs for the heat supply are reduced by using renewable energies and lowering the flow temperatures in the district heating network. The use of low-cost renewable energy sources reduces CO₂ emissions and also helps to stabilise heating costs in the long term.
Sector coupling
Benefits for the economy
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How does the sector coupling measure help companies in Dresden?
This measure enables the project participants to work together in a flexible and scalable manner, promoting both local and supra-regional solutions and facilitating the transfer of knowledge between everyone involved.
What technologies are available?
Intelligent house connection stations network municipal district heating supply infrastructures. They are used to collect data in order to optimize processes and use resources more efficiently.
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DrewagAn opportunity for companies in Dresden
This project serves as an experimental field for testing digital solutions for urban challenges such as climate change, mobility and energy supply. The aim is to design the heat supply of the state capital Dresden in line with demand, to control it more efficiently and to enable the integration of renewable energies.
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AdobeStock l JohannesImproved infrastructure and quality of life
The development of smart neighbourhoods and digitally networked infrastructures will make Dresden more attractive as a business location. A better digital infrastructure means faster communication channels, more efficient business management and a higher quality of life for employees, which in turn increases the attractiveness for skilled labour.
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AdobeStock l Proxima StudioSustainability and climate protection
Utility companies in particular are participating in the measure, which is aimed at sustainability and climate neutrality. This is not only a contribution to environmental protection, but also strengthens the company's responsible image in the region.
Sector coupling
Project partners
Sachsen Energie
SachsenEnergie AG supplies around 300,000 customers with electricity, gas, district heating and drinking water.
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