Simulation Analysis of District Heat-Source Water Supply System Configurations in Urban Areas with Warm Climates

This study investigates the viability of implementing a district heat-source water supply (DHSWS) system in urban areas of warm regions concerning energy efficiency. The building demand included a hotel, office building, and commercial facility, each equipped with water-source heat pumps and chillers utilizing district heat-source water for cooling, heating, and domestic hot water loads. The district heat supply plant featured a two-pipe heat-source water distribution system. Heat-source water was distributed to buildings via the supply pipe, utilized by individual heat-source equipment, and returned to the plant through the return pipe. Heat-source equipment, such as air-source heat pumps, are installed in the plant to maintain the supply temperature within the range of 13-28 °C. This study evaluates the energy performance of a DHSWS plant with an air-cooled heat pump, cooling towers with built-in auxiliary Chiller Unit (CTCUs), and geothermal utilization. To achieve this objective, a system simulation model was constructed, and annual simulations were conducted. Results indicated a 4.9% energy consumption decrease pre- and post-CTCUs implementation. Furthermore, a 4.3% energy consumption reduction was achievable with the introduction of both CTCUs and geothermal heat.