Method for continuous evaluation of industrial heating network emissions

Approximately 22 % of the total German energy consumption is used to provide thermal energy in the industrial sector. Therefore, energy efficiency measures in this area offer a major lever for decarbonizing the energy system. Central heating networks can achieve high energy efficiency levels through economies of scale, the coupling of efficient technologies, or the integration of waste heat. Although energy efficiency of an industrial heating network is a key aspect to minimize operating cost, heating networks are mostly planned and realized with fixed control parameters (e.g., pressure, flow rate or flow temperature). An adjustment of control parameters especially in changing production systems and the integration of renewable energies or waste heat often holds immense energy efficiency potential. This potential can only be harnessed by achieving transparency in the operation of heating networks outlining inefficient behavior.