The effect of different parameters of the excess heat source on the levelized cost of excess heat

In areas with higher heat demand densities, district heating is the most logical way of achieving heat sector decarbonisation aims, especially when renewable energy or highly efficient cogeneration is used. However, excess heat from industry is also recognized as a valuable source with the high potential for utilization. It increases the economic and environmental viability of the system due to the low operation, investment and conventional energy costs. The main goal of this work was to define the effect of the main factors influencing the levelized cost of excess heat. The paper provided the feasibility of excess heat utilization in different district heating configurations, including solar collectors, cogeneration, peak load boilers, heat pumps and heat storages, showing that its overall utilization can be much lower than the expected 100% of the overall availability depending on the configuration. Furthermore, temperature levels of the excess heat source have been considered in the analysis to show changes in levelized cost of excess heat with different temperatures and the necessary preconditions for its utilization. It has been concluded that it is necessary to reduce the supply temperature of district heating in order to make the low temperature excess heat sources feasible.