12th International Symposium on District Heating and Cooling

The <strong>12th</strong> <strong>International</strong> <strong>Symposium</strong> on District Heating and Cooling,September 5 th to September 7 th , 2010, Tallinn, Estoniatransport systems. At preset there exists no easyaccessible calculation method.Different countries have different energy chains andenergy supply systems. Analysis of even the mostactual processes and process lines does not existneither for Norway or Europe [12] – [13]. In order tocompare and choose different energy chain there is aneed for standardized methods. The lack of objectiveand reliable data of the different elements in the energychain might prevent an efficient use of energy, andcontributes to wrong choices and unnecessary CO 2emissions. [14] – [15].The method is principally described in EN 15603 [2]and provides only single PEF values for 9 energycarriers and 4 energy chains, and is based on averageEuropean values. Without an easy accessible methodor methods is it not possible to compare PEF valuesand calculate the actual environmental impact ofdifferent energy chains. Some studies [16] -[21] havedescribed parts of this topic, but they lack a holisticview of the energy chains from cradle to grave, oftenthe chosen system boundaries are different, time scalevaries, detailing level different and the, approach/method varies. Results from different studies thereforeare not comparable.Why is it importantPEF is a key indicator to be able to evaluate energyuse (for different purposes) especially with regards tothe goals of the EPBD [1]. PEF is an over all energyefficiency indicator which makes it possible to compareand collocate different energy sources and energycarriers by a single number. The same method can beused to calculate the CO 2 emission.What have others done?Different CEN standards describe, and partly discuss,the theory. In the EC-mandated CEN standards relatedto EPBD mainly one single reference are referred [14]whilst the PEF values have been gradually changedover time. An extended literature survey has showeddiscontinuity between some of the studies performedand lack of details in the calculations.Methods developed to provide PEF values for heatingsystems in buildings might be useful, but they will nottotally comply with a whole energy chain approach. LifeCycle Assessment (LCA) might also contribute to ageneric method, but the vast number of inputparameters, often more than 6000 in a traditionally LCAdemonstrates the need for a more easy accessiblemethod.What must be done?In order to develop a method a systems engineeringapproach will be used. The most important task in thiscontext is the identification of relevant energy systems33and process lines (chains) primary in Norway and theNordic countries. Detailed data must be provided suchas efficiency and loss from the different systems andmix of systems, or at least provide the necessaryparameters. Since the systems engineering approachis chosen, the problem approach must be defined, atheoretical method developed and data collect. Thisincludes performing of a trade-off between thetheoretical model and available information. Themethod shall be tested by selected case studies andfinally adjusted.Main hypothesisAs a part of the systems engineering process, one orseveral (systems engineering) hypothesis is developed.The success of a system engineering process isrelated to the fulfilment of the hypothesis. In this projectthe system engineering method must prove two mainhypotheses;1. It is possible to develop a generic method thatprovides credible data for calculating primaryenergy use by use of PEF values.2. It is possible to apply the generic method onenergy systems in the Nordic region for CHPplants utilising bio based fuel.Stakeholder analysisA stakeholder is a party having a right, share or claimin the system [16]. The intention with the stakeholderanalysis is to reveal the different kinds of stakeholderssince they might have requirements influencing apossible method in a legal way. Stakeholders withmutual interest are aggregated in groups; some ofthem might not be in incompliance with each other.Energy producer, distributors, energy companies;Business profitability is the main issue byoptimizing production from different energy carriersaccording to cost-benefitInvestors (energy and building); The electricitymarkets are opening gradually throughout Europe,e.g. Nord Pool Financial Marked and investmentsin Power production and the introduction of socalled Green Electricity Certificates might be a newor extended business area. Investors in thebuilding marked might be interested in the actualPEF values and primary energy use whenchoosing between different investment objects.Building owners, end user; Correct calculation ofPEF values and primary energy use is supposed tohave significant importance for the choice ofenergy supply system, building services, insulationlevel, especially for new buildings and majorrehabilitation projects. Future operating cost might