Utilizing Data Centre Excess Heat in District Heating Networks: A Techno-Economic Assessment of Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage Integration in Finland
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School of Electrical Engineering |
Master's thesis
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Date
2024-09-17
Department
Major/Subject
Energy Systems and Markets
Mcode
Degree programme
Master's Programme in Advanced Energy Solutions
Language
en
Pages
95
Series
Abstract
This thesis examines the potential of integrating seasonal thermal energy storage (TES) systems to utilize excess heat from data centres (DCs) within district heating (DH) networks in Finland, aiming to support the country's ambitious carbon neutrality goals by 2035. With the growing need for renewable heat sources in DH systems, this study assesses the technical, environmental, and economic feasibility of employing Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) and Borehole Thermal Energy Storage (BTES) for storing DC waste heat for use during peak demand periods in winter. The study begins by outlining the technical and operational requirements of both DCs and DH networks, followed by an evaluation of various TES systems. ATES and BTES are identified as the most promising candidates due to their capacity to handle large volumes of low-temperature excess heat. A comprehensive analysis is conducted to compare the technical performance, carbon emissions, and economic viability of these storage systems against direct DC waste heat utilization without TES. Results indicate that direct utilization of DC waste heat without seasonal TES, even with summer curtailment, is the most efficient and economically viable approach, offering the lowest levelized cost of heat (LCOH), highest cumulative net present value (NPV), and shortest payback period. While ATES is a viable alternative under specific circumstances, such as the availability of suitable aquifers, its economic benefits are less pronounced compared to direct utilization. BTES, on the other hand, is deemed economically unviable due to high capital costs and significant thermal energy losses. From an environmental perspective, all evaluated systems substantially reduce carbon emissions compared to composition of heat sources in the reference DH utility. However, the integration of seasonal TES systems slightly increases emissions due to higher electricity consumption and storage inefficiencies. In conclusion, the study recommends the direct utilization of DC waste heat in DH networks without seasonal TES as the most effective strategy. Integrating TES systems like ATES may only be considered where suitable aquifers exist and other emission-free heating capacities are insufficient to meet winter demand. This approach supports Finland’s climate goals while ensuring economic efficiency and technical reliability in DH operations utilizing DC waste heat.Description
Supervisor
Ferrantelli, AndreaThesis advisor
Söderholm, NiklasKauppi, Ilari
Keywords
waste heat utilization, data centres, district heating, seasonal thermal energy storage, ATES, BTES