Study on the optimal heat supply control algorithm for district heating distribution network in response to outdoor air temperature

• We found a significant heat loss rate at the distribution line of the model district heating apartment building.
• Simultaneous supply water temperature and mass flow rate control can minimize the heat loss in the distribution line.
• We employed the concept of limit heat supply water temperature to control the supply water temperature.
• The present heat supply control algorithm can reduce the heat loss in the distribution line of the community building to 13.6%.

In the present study, a heat supply control algorithm was developed that minimizes the rate of heat loss in the heat distribution lines of district heating community buildings. This algorithm simultaneously controlled the supply water temperature and flow rate in response to the outdoor air temperature to minimize the heat loss rate in a distribution line. The total heat supply through the distribution lines of community buildings in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi, South Korea, was compared with the total heat consumption of all households. It was revealed that 24.1% of the heat supply to the community buildings was lost in the distribution lines. By simultaneously controlling the supply water temperature and flow rate in response to the outdoor air temperature, the developed algorithm could reduce the heat loss by 11.5%.