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Title: Long-distance transmission of hot water for district heating. [Profile of potential heat source/market distances]

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6647111

The technical feasibility of hot-water-based district heating has been demonstrated by years of operation of large-scale systems in Europe and parts of Asia. District heating affords the opportunity of substituting low-grade heat resources for prime fossil fuels in the space- and water-heating market, thus conserving scarce fuels. Development of cheap, reliable long-distance hot-water-transmission technology could lead to far-reaching consequences for the U.S. The profile of distances between markets and potential heat sources is investigated. Potential sources include geothermal resources and power plants. Typical market characteristics are analyzed, and the technical and economic aspects of long-distance transmission to these markets is presented. Results show that the limits to feasibility of long-distance hot-water transmission are determined by economic, not technical factors. Inclusion of district-heat service for air conditioning, and heating and drying industrial processes can dramatically affect the economic picture for district heating, especially in warmer climates. Cost-reducing developments in transmission technology could have greater payoff when applied to distribution systems. 11 refs., 5 tables, 8 figs.

Research Organization:
Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
EY-76-C-02-0016
OSTI ID:
6647111
Report Number(s):
BNL-24823; CONF-780801-29
Resource Relation:
Conference: 13. intersociety energy conversion engineering conference, San Diego, CA, USA, 20 Aug 1978
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English