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A SHARED MISSION Few will disagree that there is business to be done in optimising the production and distribution sides of district heating, However, the question is how to get from innovative tools to a proven business case that prompts utilities to do things differently than today. The continued progress of the digital movement therefore relies on forward-looking utilities collaborating with visionary technology providers – because that is when true digital innovation emerges. DATA-BASED TRANSPARENCY Heat Intelligence is an analytics tool combining data from the heat meters already installed in the distribution network with a digital GIS model of the pipe network. This provides the basis for a data-driven model of what goes on in the distribution network – without the need for additional metering points. The model behind Heat Intelligence was developed in- house and allows utilities to see how temperatures and flow spreads throughout the distribution network. This creates virtual meters in the network nodes, providing a new level of transparency and making it possible to qualify assumptions about the state of the network with real-life facts. Going from a theoretic, hydraulic model to one that is fully driven by data presents a number of new possibilities. Heat Intelligence enables utilities to document their quality of delivery as well as identify the customers and buildings that put the most strain on the system and cause high return temperatures. It also presents new opportunities for identifying problem areas in the network such as leaks caused by bursts, bypasses creating unnecessary heat or dead spots with no flow. Additionally, the tool helps utilities detect pipes with excessive heat loss, uninsulated heat installations and other deviations – all presented on an intuitive map of the supply area. Because Heat Intelligence gives a detailed view of the actual condition of the distribution network, it also provides valuable knowledge for planning and dimensioning of expansions and maintenance. This allows better utilisation of the existing infrastructure and more precise dimensioning of new parts of the network to avoid unnecessary investments.
BRINGING TOGETHER THE RIGHT PEOPLE Following the identification of the areas with the greatest financial potential and the choice of a suitable pilot area, operations staff from AVA and data specialists from Kamstrup work closely together to collect, analyse and interpret data. Comparing their results with AVA’s current method for leak detection combined with the cost of fixing bursts and collateral damage will be the basis for proving the business case for implementing Heat Intelligence throughout their supply area. For AVA, the project will provide fact-based proof to validate their potential investment in Heat Intelligence. At the same time, it provides important insight and is a valuable exercise with regard to knowledge and renovation of their distribution network. In addition, the collaboration makes up the final – and perhaps most important – step of the product development process: proving quantified value creation. This also enables further development of the model behind Heat Intelligence and making it even more precise based on new knowledge about real-life bursts.
DIGITALISATION IN THE AGE OF GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
Smart meter data is an essential part of the digitalisation process and vital for a utility’s ability to optimise their operations. In order to do precise forecasts and optimise not just individual buildings but their entire system, it is necessary for data from all buildings in the supply area to come into play. Otherwise, it will negatively affect the validity of the data analysis and use cases for the collected data. The Danish Energy Agency and the Department of Justice recently assessed the legal basis for utilising smart meter data beyond billing purposes. Their official interpretation states that frequent collection of data from heat meters is lawful without individual customer consent if the energy supplier uses that data either in the interest of the public to save energy and minimise energy losses, or for improving the energy efficiency of its operations. However, the Danish position also clearly states the indispensable condition that the energy supplier’s metering solution must meet today’s data security demands including GDPR compliance – a demand that effectively falls back on the technology providers. This will give the full transparency of data processing to ensure the trust that the GDPR is all about.
For further information please contact:
Kamstrup A/S Att. Steen Schelle Jensen, Head of Product Management
+45 8993 1191 ssj@kamstrup.com kamstrup.com
Industrivej 28, Stilling DK-8660 Skanderborg
www.dbdh.dk
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