Adaptive Control for Flow and Volume Regulation in Multi-Producer District Heating Systems

TL;DR

This paper introduces a decentralized adaptive control method for flow and volume regulation in multi-producer district heating systems, ensuring stability and efficient energy management.

Contribution

It presents a novel adaptive control scheme tailored for complex district heating networks with multiple producers and storage units, guaranteeing closed-loop stability.

Findings

Ensures stable flow and volume regulation in multi-producer systems

Provides a decentralized control approach suitable for modern district heating

Guarantees closed-loop stability through passivity and adaptive control techniques

Abstract

Flow and storage volume regulation is essential for the adequate transport and management of energy resources in district heating systems. In this letter, we propose a novel and suitably tailored -- decentralized -- adaptive control scheme addressing this problem whilst offering closed-loop stability guarantees. We focus on a system configuration comprising multiple heat producers, consumers and storage tanks exchanging energy through a common distribution network, which are features of modern and prospective district heating installations. {\color{black}The proposed controller is based on passivity, backstepping and (indirect) adaptive control theory.