Optimal control of thermostatically controlled loads connected to a district heating network is considered a sequential decisionmaking problem under uncertainty. The practicality of a direct model-based approach is compromised by two challenges, namely scalability due to the large dimensionality of the problem and the system identification required to identify an accurate model. To help in miti...

This is a report about machine learning in the field of computer science. The problem handled is prediction of energy consumption in district heating systems. Prediction of energy consumption in district heating systems is a delicate problem because of the social behaviours, weather and distribution time that has to be accounted for. One algorithm is introduced and three different experiments a...

The aim is to improve the monitoring and control of district heating systems through the use of agent technology. In order to increase the knowledge about the current and future state in a district heating system at the producer side, each substation is equipped with an agent that makes predictions of future consumption and monitors current consumption. The contributions to the consumers, will ...

The construction of waste incinerators in populated areas always causes substantial public concern. Since the heat from waste combustion can be recovered to power district heating networks and allows for the switch-off of domestic boilers in urbanized areas, predictive models for health assessment should also take into account the potential benefits of abating an important source of diffuse emi...

In order to reduce fire hazards caused by spontaneous combustion in longwall gob areas, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study is being conducted by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to simulate the spontaneous heating of coal in longwall gob areas. A CFD model was first developed to model the spontaneous heating process in a two longwall panel district using a b...

In district heating stations, the heat carrier is circulated between the energy source and consumers by a pumping system. Fluid handling systems, such as pumping systems, are responsible for a significant portion of the total electrical energy use. Significant opportunities exist to reduce pumping energy through smart design, retrofitting, and operating practices. Most existing systems requirin...

The implementation of European Directive 2012/27 calls for the presence of a renewable share inside efficient district heating and cooling. Solar thermal energy can be a viable contribution to this aim but particular attention must be put into its integration inside the district heating systems. In fact, the variable and non-controllable nature of renewable heating must be handled by fulfilling...

INTRODUCTION Early humans probably used geothermal water that occurred in natural pools and hot springs for cooking, bathing and to keep warm. We have archeological evidence that the Indians of the Americas occupied sites around these geothermal resources for over 10,000 years to recuperate from battle and take refuge. Many of their oral legends describe these places and other volcanic phenomen...