Energy, cost and emission saving potential of demand response and peak power limiting in the German district heating system

The demand response and peak power limiting could potentially reduce the peak power and energy demand. This study examines the effect of rule-based demand response and peak power limiting on the peak power and energy demand of heating. Study was conducted as a co-simulation where buildings and district heating production were simulated separately but both inclusively. Results indicate that demand response provides 2.8–4.7% energy saving and 2.3–3.4% total district heating cost saving potential. Moreover, according to the simulations, demand response provides 32% emission reduction in district heating production in contrast to the reference case. Peak power limiting provides significant reduction in the peak power and district heating base cost. However, its ability to provide additional reduction in the energy demand and emissions is confined compared to the demand response due to the effective time of the limit. Chosen acceptable temperature range can be maintained decently.