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A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "J: Thermal Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 March 2026) | Viewed by 9835

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Elisa Guelpa

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Guest Editor

Energy Department, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy
Interests: district heating systems; thermal energy storage; energy system optimization; multi energy systems; renewable energy; sustainability
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Dr. Martina Capone

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Guest Editor

Energy Department, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy
Interests: district heating systems; thermal energy storage; smart energy systems; energy system optimization
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

District Heating and Cooling (DHC) systems have emerged as leading technologies in the realization of sustainable and energy-efficient urban infrastructure. With the integration of renewable energy sources, including biomass, geothermal, solar thermal and industrial waste heat, DHC systems are now able to deliver cleaner, more adaptable solutions and exert a substantial impact on the decarbonization of the heating sector, a major source of global CO₂ emissions. This Special Issue, entitled “Trends and Developments in District Heating and Cooling Technologies”, aims to compile the cutting-edge research, technological advances and innovative applications that are shaping the future of DHC systems worldwide.

DHC systems are currently undergoing a transition phase, moving away from conventional technologies toward low-temperature, sustainable infrastructure that can seamlessly integrate renewable sources, storage, and flexibility. These modernized systems increasingly cooperate with other energy grids, advancing the concept of smart energy systems and promoting resilience and efficiency across the broader energy landscape. The introduction of these innovations brings both opportunities, accelerating the decarbonization of the entire energy system, and a range of technical, economic, and regulatory challenges.

This Special Issue seeks original research, review articles and case studies that provide insights into the latest trends in DHC technologies. The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

Integration of renewable and alternative energy sources into DHC systems;
Advances in heat and cold storage solutions for improved system efficiency;
The role of prosumers in DHC systems;
Smart control and optimization techniques for improved system efficiency;
Decarbonization strategies and emissions reduction in DHC networks;
Case studies on retrofitting existing DHC systems to modern standards;
Analysis of the economic, environmental and social impacts of DHC systems in urban planning.

We encourage researchers working in the field of district heating and cooling to contribute to this Special Issue, which will serve as a platform for the dissemination of knowledge that supports the ongoing evolution of sustainable and resilient DHC networks.

Dr. Elisa Guelpa
Dr. Martina Capone
Guest Editors

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

district heating
district cooling
district energy
smart energy systems
smart thermal grid
fourth-generation district heating
waste heat
prosumers
heat pumps
thermal storage
demand-side management
system optimization

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 2555 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Heat Load Density Analysis for Assessing 4th Generation District Heating Potential in Extreme Cold Climate Cities: A Case Study of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

by Tsolmon Khalzan and Batmunkh Sereeter

Energies 2026, 19(7), 1598; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19071598 - 24 Mar 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 425

Abstract

Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, operates one of the world’s largest district heating (DH) systems in the coldest national capital (heating degree-days ~5800). Despite serving over 60% of the city’s 1.6 million residents, the current 3rd generation DH system suffers from high thermal losses (~17–18%) and relies on coal-fired combined heat and power plants. Transitioning to 4th generation district heating (4GDH) with lower supply temperatures could reduce these losses while enabling future low-temperature renewable energy integration. A geographic information system (GIS)-based spatial heat load density (HLD) analysis uses operational data from the Ulaanbaatar District Heating Company, encompassing 13,500 buildings with a total connected capacity of 3924 MW. Grid-based spatial analysis was performed at two resolutions (1 km² and 2 km²). Threshold sensitivity analysis was conducted across HLD criteria of 1–5 MW/km². Results indicate that median HLD values exceed the European reference threshold of 3 MW/km², with log-normal distributions confirmed by Shapiro–Wilk tests. Three candidate pilot zones were identified. A hybrid temperature strategy (65/35 °C above −25 °C; 90/60 °C below) further contextualizes the findings. These results suggest spatially favorable conditions for 4GDH development, providing a quantitative foundation for subsequent techno-economic feasibility studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Developments in District Heating and Cooling Technologies)

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26 pages, 3895 KB

Open AccessArticle

Smart Reuse of Waste Heat from Data Centres: Energy and Exergy Analysis for a District-Heating Network in Bulgaria

by Antonio Verzino, Lorenzo Talluri, Andrea Rocchetti and Luca Socci

Energies 2026, 19(3), 800; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19030800 - 3 Feb 2026

Viewed by 830

Abstract

The rapid growth of data centres is driving higher electricity consumption and continuous generation of low-grade waste heat. Integrating this heat into district-heating networks offers a smart strategy for thermal management in urban areas. In this context, this study presents an energy and exergy analysis of an integrated system comprising a data centre, vapour-compression heat pumps, thermochemical energy storage, and a third-generation district-heating network in Varna (Bulgaria). The proposed system relies on data-centre waste-heat recovery via vapour-compression heat pumps and thermochemical energy storage, enabling seasonal decoupling between heat availability and demand. Despite the relatively small size of the data centre (500 kW) compared to the district-heating system (average thermal demand of 9.3 MW), recovered waste heat can supply up to 3.0% of the annual heat demand and over 20% of the instantaneous load. The integrated configuration consistently improves overall exergy efficiency, confirming its thermodynamic advantage. These findings show that data centres can act as reliable thermal assets for existing district-heating networks, with heat pumps and thermal energy storage emerging as key enablers for district-heating decarbonisation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Developments in District Heating and Cooling Technologies)

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27 pages, 3958 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Multi-Objective Optimization of a District Heating Network: Integrated and Dynamic Decarbonization Solutions for the Case Study of Riva Del Garda (Italy)

by Amit Jain, Diego Viesi, Silvia Ricciuti, Masoud Manafi and Michele Urbani

Energies 2025, 18(23), 6229; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18236229 - 27 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 765

Abstract

This study explores the decarbonization of the district heating network in Riva del Garda. The existing system (baseline) was modeled in EnergyPLAN, and future configurations were optimized using a Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm (MOEA) to minimize both CO₂ emissions and annual costs. Nine decision variables were assessed under defined boundary conditions to generate alternative future scenarios grouped into five types. In Type A, a large deep geothermal cogeneration plant combined with a small biomass boiler achieved the only zero-emission solution, with lower annual costs than the baseline but high capital needs. Excluding deep geothermal cogeneration (Type B) led to dominance of the biomass boiler and waste heat recovery from the Alto Garda Power (AGP) plant; full decarbonization remained possible only with extensive biomass use at a higher cost. Removing biomass (Type C), the solar thermal plant, and the shallow geothermal heat pump enabled deep but costly decarbonization, including grid electricity dependence. Types D and E, dominated, respectively, by shallow geothermal heat pump and electric boiler, provided moderate emission reductions and further increase in costs. Across all types, thermal storage improved operational flexibility. These analyses were also extended to assess potential district heating network expansions within Riva del Garda and into the neighboring municipality of Arco. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Developments in District Heating and Cooling Technologies)

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24 pages, 5008 KB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling and Performance Evaluation of a District Heating Network with Integration of a Thermal Prosumer: A Case Study in Italy

by Giulia Bonelli, Martina Capone, Vittorio Verda and Elisa Guelpa

Energies 2025, 18(22), 5977; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18225977 - 14 Nov 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 828

Abstract

The decarbonization of the heating sector requires the progressive transformation of district heating systems toward low-temperature and renewable-based configurations. In this context, the integration of thermal prosumers, capable of both consuming and producing heat, represents a promising solution to increase network flexibility and support sector coupling through technologies such as heat pumps. This work presents a thermo-fluid dynamic modeling framework developed to analyze the integration of a heat pump-based prosumer into an existing large-scale district heating network in Italy. The model adopts a graph-based, thermo-fluid dynamic model, combining a steady-state hydraulic formulation with a transient thermal analysis, and is complemented by a set of Key Performance Indicators for the evaluation of energy exchanges and self-sufficiency at user and network levels. Different operational configurations are analyzed, including local sharing within the distribution network and heat export to the main transport network, with and without local thermal storage. The study focuses on summer operation, when the network supplies only domestic hot water, a condition in which distributed renewable generation can play a major role in reducing central plant operation. The results highlight the potential of thermal prosumers to enhance energy autonomy and flexibility in existing district heating networks, paving the way for their evolution toward fully renewable and bidirectional systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Developments in District Heating and Cooling Technologies)

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26 pages, 1664 KB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental and Social Impacts of Renewable Energy-Driven Centralized Heating/Cooling Systems: A Comparison with Conventional Fossil Fuel-Based Systems

by Javier Pérez Rodríguez, David Hidalgo-Carvajal, Juan Manuel de Andrés Almeida and Alberto Abánades Velasco

Energies 2025, 18(19), 5150; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18195150 - 27 Sep 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1486

Abstract

Heating and cooling (H&C) account for nearly half of the EU’s energy consumption, with significant potential for decarbonization through renewable energy sources (RES) integrated in district heating and cooling (DHC) systems. This study evaluates the environmental and social impacts of RES-powered DHC solutions implemented in three European small-scale demo sites (Bucharest, Luleå, Córdoba) under the Horizon 2020 WEDISTRICT project. Using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) methodologies, the research compares baseline fossil-based energy scenarios with post-implementation renewable scenarios. Results reveal substantial greenhouse gas emission reductions (up to 67%) and positive environmental trade-offs, though increased mineral and metal resource use and site-specific impacts on water and land use highlight important sustainability challenges. Social assessments demonstrate improvements in gender parity, local employment, and occupational safety, yet reveal persistent issues in wage equity, union representation, and inclusion of vulnerable populations. The findings emphasize that while renewable DHC systems offer significant climate benefits, social sustainability requires tailored local strategies and robust governance to avoid exacerbating inequalities. This integrated environmental-social perspective underscores the need for holistic policies that balance technical innovation with equitable social outcomes to ensure truly sustainable energy transitions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Developments in District Heating and Cooling Technologies)

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20 pages, 2768 KB

Open AccessArticle

Flexible Operation of High-Temperature Heat Pumps Through Sizing and Control of Energy Stored in Integrated Steam Accumulators

by Andrea Vecchi, Jose Hector Bastida Hernandez and Adriano Sciacovelli

Energies 2025, 18(14), 3806; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18143806 - 17 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1303

Abstract

Steam networks are widely used for industrial heat supply. High-temperature heat pumps (HTHPs) are an increasingly attractive low-emission solution to traditional steam generation, which could also improve the operational efficiency and energy demand flexibility of industrial processes. This work characterises 4-bar steam supply via HTHPs and aims to assess how variations in power input that result from flexible HTHP operation may affect steam flow and temperature, both with and without a downstream steam accumulator (SA). First, steady-state modelling is used for system design. Then, dynamic component models are developed and used to simulate the system response to HTHP power input variations. The performance of different SA integration layouts and sizes is evaluated. Results demonstrate that steam supply fluctuations closely follow changes in HTHP operation. A downstream SA is shown to mitigate these variations to an extent that depends on its capacity. Practical SA sizing recommendations are derived, which allow for the containment of steam supply fluctuations within acceptability. By providing a basis for evaluating the financial viability of flexible HTHP operation for steam provision, the results support clean technology’s development and uptake in industrial steam and district heating networks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Developments in District Heating and Cooling Technologies)

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27 pages, 2919 KB

Open AccessArticle

Conversion to Variable Flow Rate—Advanced Control of a District Heating (DH) System with a Focus on Operational Data

by Stanislav Chicherin

Energies 2025, 18(11), 2772; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18112772 - 26 May 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1993

Abstract

This study aims to improve the operational efficiency of district heating (DH) systems by introducing a novel control method based on variable flow rate control, without compromising indoor comfort. The novelty of this work lies in its integrated analysis of flow control and substation configurations in DH networks, linking real-world operational strategies with mathematical modeling to improve energy efficiency and infrastructure costs. Using a case study from Omsk, Russia, where supply temperatures and energy demand profiles are traditionally rigid, the proposed approach utilizes operational data, including outdoor temperature, supply/return temperature, and hourly consumption patterns, to optimize heat delivery. A combination of flow rate adjustments, bypass line implementation, and selective control strategies for transitional seasons (fall and spring) was modeled and analyzed. The methodology integrates heat meter data, indoor temperature tracking, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)-like system inputs to dynamically adapt supply temperatures while avoiding overheating and reducing distribution losses. The results show a significant reduction in excess heat supply during warm days, with improvements in heat demand prediction accuracy (17.3% average error) compared to standard models. Notably, the optimized configuration led to a 21% reduction in total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (including 6537 tons of CO₂ annually), a 55.3% decrease in annualized operational costs, and a positive net present value (NPV) by year nine, with an internal rate of return (IRR) of 25.4%. Compared to conventional scenarios, the proposed solution offers better economic performance without requiring extensive infrastructure upgrades. These findings demonstrate that flexible, data-driven DH control is a feasible and sustainable alternative for aging networks in cold-climate regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Developments in District Heating and Cooling Technologies)

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Review

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33 pages, 7653 KB

Open AccessReview

District Heating Benefits and Economic Assessment Methods: A Systematic Review and the Role of Emerging Technologies

by S.M. Masum Ahmed, Annamaria Bagaini and Edoardo Croci

Energies 2025, 18(24), 6464; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18246464 - 10 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1161

Abstract

District heating (DH) is a key solution for decarbonising heat supplies, improving energy efficiency, and generating multiple economic, social, and environmental benefits. Identifying, quantifying, and monetising these benefits is crucial to assessing the impact of DH systems, comparing them with alternative heating solutions, and informing investment decisions and policy design. This paper conducts a systematic literature review to identify and classify DH benefits and to analyse the methods used to assess their economic impacts. The identified benefits are classified into four categories: energy system, end users, environment, and society, considering 123 research papers. Across all studies, 26 monetised DH benefits, but only 10 studies explicitly described the methods applied. This work demonstrates the limited but growing use of monetisation approaches for analysing DH benefits. The crucial monetisation approaches are avoided cost, net present value, hedonic pricing, levelised cost of heat, and willingness to pay. However, the absence of a harmonised framework for evaluating and monetising DH benefits limits the comparability and consistency of existing studies. Also, the study shows how emerging technologies like AI, digital twins, IoT, and cyber–physical systems are enhancing DH system performance and associated benefits. The study highlights the need for an integrated and standardised evaluation framework to assist policymakers and investors in financing efficient and sustainable DH projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Developments in District Heating and Cooling Technologies)

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