A methodology for selecting a sustainable development strategy for connecting low heat density consumers to a district heating system by cascading of heat carriers

Abstract The paper presents a methodology for supporting the decision making on how to sustainably develop an existing district heating system when consumers located in a remote, low-heat consumption density area are connected to the system. Several scenarios are proposed where a multi-generative system is assessed by implementation of industrial heat pumps (HP), solar photovoltaic (PV) system, and low-temperature regime into an existing district heating system in various combinations. The methodology is based on multi-criteria analysis allowing for energy, economic, exergy, and environmental (4E) assessment. The research is based on a case study of an autonomous district heating system in …