Strategic planning and viability assessment for implementing district cooling networks

Abstract

In response to the growing demand for cooling, this paper investigates the feasibility of implementing District Cooling (DC) supply technology as a sustainable solution for cooling supply. Using a comparative analysis at a hectare resolution, we evaluate the levelized cost of cooling of DC against individual supply, factoring in pipe sizing, network length estimates, and supply costs. Lower-level cooling costs than individual supply options determine feasibility for a specific location. We applied the model to Vienna and analyzed for different connection rates for district cooling. At electricity price ranges of 80 EUR/MWh - 200 EUR/MWh, feasibility varied from 1% to 70% coverage of the actual useful cooling energy demand, increasing with higher connection rates. Our conclusion highlights the significance of a higher connection rate as crucial for enhancing District Cooling (DC) feasibility. Therefore, if DC is to be promoted, specific policies such as regulatory schemes facilitating connection to district cooling or economic incentives would be required to increase coverage potential.