Decomposition Analysis of District Heating System based on Complemented Kaya Identity

AbstractThe paper analyses possibilities for CO2 emission reduction into the centralized district heating system by using the index decomposition analysis: Kaya identity equation. The classical Kaya equation is complemented with an energy efficiency indicator of a district heating system. The paper focuses on the impact of the Kaya equation components on the CO2 emission reduction. The elaborated methodology is tested in order to analyze possibilities for CO2 emission reduction at district heating systems in Latvia. 3 scenarios were formed for the forecast of the CO2 emission reduction. In case the current model for the state development is continued (scenario1) CO2 emissions will be reduced for 13%; however, in the scenario of orderly and balanced DH systems they will reduce for 29% by 2020 as compared to 2012

A Comparison of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Methods for Sustainability Assessment of District Heating Systems

Funding Information: Funding: This research was funded by the European Regional Development Fund within the project No. 1.1.1.2/VIAA/4/20/604 “Decision Support Tool for Decarbonisation Assessment of District Heating Systems (START)”. The contribution of E. Dace and R. Soloha to this study was supported by the University of Latvia within the project “Climate Change and its Impacts on Sustainability of Natural Resources” (No. Y5-AZ20-ZF-N-270). Publisher Copyright: © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.The sustainability of energy systems is increasingly assessed for development of more resilient, greener district heating (DH) systems. That requires compiling technological, environmental, and economic indicators in a social, political, and institutional context. This work investigates DH system sustainability analysis by five frequently applied multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methods—WSM, TOPSIS, PROMETHEE, ELECTRE and DEA. To compare the sustainability assessment results, a selection of 8 criteria describing 12 DH companies (DHC) was examined. Sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the most credible MCDA method. Criteria weights were changed: (1) individually for evaluation of the range of stability for alternatives (score of DHC performance); (2) individually by a fixed value to compare how each criterion weight change affected the average score of a result; and (3) to compare the AHP weighting method to an equal weight scenario. The results of sensitivity analysis along with literature investigation shows that all methods are suitable for sustainability analyses of DH systems while also having differences in the calculation process and in the interpretation of results. The generalized algorithm for sustainability analysis in the energy sector outlined in this study along with the documented features of the main MCDA methods can be used as a guide for future assessment of energy systems by researchers and industry professionals.publishersversionPeer reviewe

Industrial Research of Condensing Unit for Natural Gas Boiler House

In the course of work industrial research was carried out at the boiler plant A/S “Imanta” where a 10MW passive condensing economizer working on natural gas was installed after the 116MW water boiler. The work describes the design of the condensing economizer and wiring diagram. During the industrial experiment, the following measurements were made: the temperature of water before and after the economizer; the ambient temperature; the quantity of water passing through the economizer; heat, produced by the economizer and water boilers. The work summarizes the data from 2010-2011

Research of Woody Biomass Drying Process in Pellet Production

This paper presents results of experimental research on wood chips and sawdust drying in a rotary dryer. Empirical models for the assessment of two dependent parameters of the drying process were created based on the results of experimental data. The mathematical description of the relationship between the independent variable – reduced sawdust moisture content – and dependent variable – specific fuel consumption – is represented by a linear equation

District Heating Systems Performance Analyses. Heat Energy Tariff

The paper addresses an important element of the European energy sector: the evaluation of district heating (DH) system operations from the standpoint of increasing energy efficiency and increasing the use of renewable energy resources. This has been done by developing a new methodology for the evaluation of the heat tariff. The paper presents an algorithm of this methodology, which includes not only a data base and calculation equation systems, but also an integrated multi-criteria analysis module using MADM/MCDM (Multi-Attribute Decision Making / Multi-Criteria Decision Making) based on TOPSIS (Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution). The results of the multi-criteria analysis are used to set the tariff benchmarks. The evaluation methodology has been tested for Latvian heat tariffs, and the obtained results show that only half of heating companies reach a benchmark value equal to 0.5 for the efficiency closeness to the ideal solution indicator. This means that the proposed evaluation methodology would not only allow companies to determine how they perform with regard to the proposed benchmark, but also to identify their need to restructure so that they may reach the level of a low-carbon business

Experience of Students’ and Teachers’ Pilot Training in the Field of Environmental Engineering in a Post-Soviet Country

Kazakhstan is one of the Post-Soviet countries with remains of the Soviet educational system. Yet, in 2010 Kazakhstan has joined the European Higher Education Area (the Bologna Process) that requires focusing on 10 Action Lines and taking into account the Process' fundamental principles. A consortium of universities representing Kazakhstan, Russia and European Union’s countries is developed within a Tempus programme’s project to enhance a transition and compliance with requirements of the Bologna Process in the field of environmental engineering. Within the project, the academic staff of Riga Technical University (Latvia) implemented a pilot training concept in two of the Kazakhstani higher education institutions. This paper presents the methodology applied and verified in two Kazakhstani higher education institutions and discusses the results achieved. It is concluded that collaboration of academic staff from countries with a common past has many benefits when an innovative training concept is implemented. It helps to acquire a better understanding of the situation and find more effective solutions in the academic, scientific and industrial spheres. The methodology applied proved to be efficient to encourage the students’ critical thinking skills and further develop the curriculum of environmental engineering in the Post-Soviet countries