OPTIMIZATION AND CONTROL OF A DISTRICT HEATING NETWORK

Abstract The short term optimization and control of a district heating network is a crucial point for Energy Industries. In this article, a model, well suited to industrial issues is presented and then used to determine the optimal schedule of the network. As consumers demands are imperfectly predicted, it is necessary to have a closed loop strategy to robustly control the network. The control law is based on the schedule planning (open loop control) and on predictive control. The control method has been validated on a benchmark network created by ‘EDF’ (Electricite de France).