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Development of district heating systems through cooperation 

The origin, security of supply and price of energy have been a common topic of conversation recently. A large part of all energy is consumed in cities, and especially in cold countries, heating consumes a significant amount of energy. Therefore, more efficient solutions must be found for buildings which will reduce the costs and emissions of energy use. 

This dissertation examines how cost and energy efficient solutions for the energy use of buildings can be achieved with the cooperation of property owners and district heating companies. The technologies studied in the dissertation were heat pumps and demand side management of heat. In addition, seasonal storage of heat was studied.

The results of the dissertation show that the studied technologies are effective in reducing heating costs and emissions. In addition, the results show that better results can be acheived by taking into account the needs of both parties in the utilization of these technologies.

 However, current district heating pricing structures or business models do not support the effective implementation of these technologies. The district heating sector should develop their business models so that the whole heating sector can evolve.

Opponent: Associate Professor (Tenured) Anna Volkova, Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia

Custos: Professor Seppo Junnila, Aalto University School of Engineering, Department of Built Environment

Contact information of the doctoral student: Petri Penttinen, petri.penttinen@aalto.fi

The public defence will be organised on campus (auditorium 216, Otakaari 4). 

The thesis is publicly displayed 10 days before the defence in the  of Aalto University.