Heat storage mode and capacity evaluation of district heating networks

In order to illustrate the essential concept and operation feasibility of thermal energy storage (TES) by district heating network (DHN), and improve the dynamic operation level of heating system, studies two basic heat storage modes (i.e. temperature-increasing mode and flow-promoting mode) of DHN based on theoretical analysis. Proposes the calculation formula of the comprehensive heat storage capacity of DHN. Discusses the corresponding regulation method of long transmission pipelines (LTP) participating in the system heat storage and release. The calculation results from a real engineering project shows that the heat storage capacity of large-scale DHN (especially the LTP) is enormous and increases significantly with the increase of outdoor temperature. Making full use of the TES potential of DHN and LTP can gain more time for the repair work of heat source.