Digital district heating : Developing the heating value proposition with the help of digitalisation

Sammanfattning: The aim of this thesis has been to identify key points in a district heating system where digitalisation can add higher value to the customer, and thereby contribute to a better district heating offer.  The purpose has been to examine how digitalisation of district heating processes could improve a Swedish district heating system and develop the district heating business in Sweden. This was done through simulations of four digitalisations scenarios in a district heating production and by conducting a semi structured interview study.    The scenarios were based on research on load control, for both district heating network and of a hot water tank, regulation of substations and visualizing customers' energy consumption. These digitalisations correspond to actions such as reduced supply- and return temperatures, peak reductions, reduced heat demand and reduced water mass flow.   The simulation result shows that reducing heat demand by visualizing customers' energy consumption increases customer satisfaction the most. The interview study showed, however, that visualizing customers' energy consumption will probably not be enough to make a permanent heat demand reduction. Other digitalisation solutions is to control the substation or district heating network in such a way that reductions in peak power occur. Furthermore, opportunities for data-driven pricing models are also discussed in order to create better price incentives for customers to contribute with system benefits.  All digital solutions described in this thesis are based on qualitative data collection and it is clear that digitalisation in the district heating sector is not only a technical problem. Finally, a risk analysis is done on risks and opportunities associated with digitalisation. The risks are data and personal integrity, availability, confidential risks etc. The opportunities are increased flexibility, increased use of renewable energy and waste heat, and development of the district heating offer.