Solar panel adoption increases in residential areas, so electricity grids face growing pressure from peak feed-in, especially during hours with high radiation during summer months. In this thesis, the potential of a Smart Heat Transfer Station (SHTS) to alleviate these challenges by converting surplus solar-generated electricity into usable heat for district heating networks (DHN) is investigated. The SHTS aims to improve local energy system performance by enhancing flexibility, reducing grid feed-in congestion, and increasing renewable self-consumption.

A Python-based simulation model is developed to evaluate the technical and economic performance of the SHTS under realistic conditions. The model integrates solar panels, a heat pump, an electric boiler, and a tank thermal energy storage system (TTES).

The strategy proved robust enough to perform effectively under varying solar radiation and thermal demand conditions. Simulation results show that the SHTS can significantly reduce electricity feed-in, by using up to 86\% of generated solar electricity internally, and lower $CO_2$ emissions by replacing district heating demand with local heat production. Optimal configurations depend on a trade-off between system efficiency, emissions, and cost. High solar availability, a well-sized TTES, and a balanced combination of heat pump and electric boiler capacities are found to be critical for the performance of the SHTS.


Despite spatial constraints and regulatory uncertainties, the SHTS presents a promising, scalable solution for energy systems with high solar panel integration. It offers grid operators relief from feed-in congestion without reinforcements in the electricity grid and behavioral change from end users. Additionally, this allows heat providers to increase the share of renewable heat in their supply, while ensuring the service remains both affordable and reliable for end users.


This study presents a practical, simulation-based framework with rule-based control for evaluating and optimizing innovative systems, such as the SHTS, providing insights into how SHTSs can enhance the utilization of locally generated energy. By identifying the key technical and economic conditions for successful implementation, it lays the groundwork for real-world deployment. Future research should focus on integrating predictive control algorithms, which can improve system responsiveness by anticipating solar availability and demand patterns. Additionally, future work should examine regulatory and spatial constraints and analyze the aggregated behavior of multiple SHTS units.

Of the global energy demand, 20% can be allocated to residential energy demand. Most of this energy is produced by fossil fuels, which raises the importance of energy production in a more sustainable way. In order to do this on the level of residential heating applications, the Dutch government aims to make its residential neighborhoods natural gas-free. An often considered solution is making residential areas all-electric. However, when considering the heating of these households based on electricity, high peaks may occur in the electricity grid due to simultaneous heating at times of high demand. This could cause problems regarding the capacity of the electricity grid. Subsequently, the generation of electricity is nowadays associated with relatively high CO2 emissions, raising the awareness for alternative methods of heating. One of these methods is district heating coupled to (more) sustainable energy sources. A problem occurring with this combination is a possible discrepancy between the supply and demand of energy. Therefore, it could be beneficial to implement thermal energy storage in district heating. This research assesses the feasibility of different configurations of thermal energy storage integrated into district heating. For this research, a case study is conducted in which district heating for a residential area coupled with thermal energy storage is modeled. The model is based on the thermodynamic equilibrium of the network and is able to compute the required characteristics and key performance indicators of the district heating network. For the case study, multiple scenarios have been created which assess different distribution characteristics and heat sources. For reference, an all-electric scenario has been designed as well. The results of the case study show that the implementation of thermal energy storage in district heating is able to lower peak loads on the heat source by two-thirds. This implementation goes paired with an increase in levelized cost of energy of 10-16% and 8-73% higher CO2 emissions, compared to district heating without storage and depending on the characteristics of the district heating net and its heat source. However, for certain heat sources, the advantages of thermal energy storage outweigh the drawbacks or thermal energy storage might even be considered to be inevitable. This is especially the case for renewable heat sources, of which its share in the future energy market is considered to be substantial. Also, the results show that every scenario considering district heating performs better on levelized cost of energy and CO2 emissions than the all-electric scenario. When designing new DH projects, it is key that different available heat sources will be considered and that an accurate trade-off is made between the advantages and drawbacks of thermal energy storage. This research is based on the comparison of various scenarios for a case study. Therefore, it does not focus on finding the optimal parameters for either district heating or thermal energy storage. For finding these optimal parameters, future research must be conducted.

5GDHC has the potential to decarbonize our heating and cooling provision. However, the lack of existing project and thus knowlegde of its tariff design is hampering its roll-out. The aim of this research is to provide insight into 5GDHC tariff design and potential tariff structures to support 5GDHC roll-out and thus encourage the uptake of renewable energy in the DHC sector.
The exploratory5GDHC tariff design in this study prioritised cost-reflectivity, efficiency and sustainability. Dynamic tariffs aimed at load shifting offer possibilities to promote these objectives. The proposed tariff structures contain a variable demand charge - based on subscription levels - an energy charge and fixed standing cost. Test indicated a significant improvement for cost-reflectivity and efficiency compared to a pure volumetric reference tariff. The sustainability component needs further review, as the results are not conclusive.
The criteria that should be fulfilled by future 5GDHC systems are decisive for tariff design options. Moreover, factors influencing 5GDHC design - like role distribution, data security and transaction cost - are becoming increasingly important to consider. Not only do they raise social acceptance issues for the technology itself, they could have a significant impact on the criteria tariff design.
The results of this thesis research show that a tariff structure containing a variable demand charge, an either flat or a TOU structured energy charge, and fixed standing cost can promote cost-reflective, economic efficient and sustainable heating and cooling for Dutch households by 5GDHC. Optionally, rebates to increase participation in automated operation can be included.