PATHOPT: design optimization for district heating networks
PATHOPT is an optimization toolbox for thermal networks that can automatically determine the optimal network layout based on specific geographical information.
PATHOPT provides data:
- Automatic, fast and accurate
- Based on geographical input
- Up to city level
- With economic and energetic output targets
- From multiple production sources
- Accounting for seasonal variations in heat production and demand
With a minimal input of the geographic location and preferable input of both production plant characteristics (location, power & temperature levels, and heat cost) and consumer characteristics (location, required minimal temperature, and heat demand) the PATHOPT tool provides the following output measures:
- Pipe layout and dimensioning
- optimal heat production unit selection and dimensioning, including peak units
- Thermal-hydraulic information, temperature and pressure at any location
- Economic considerations like CAPEX, OPEX, and revenue
