Leveraging Fluidit Heat to plan and optimize district energy planning and operations.

November 2023

In the heart of Belgium, Fluvius, the Flemish distribution system operator, plays a pivotal role in the energy transition and climate adaptation. As a multifaceted organization, Fluvius is entrusted with tasks ranging from constructing and managing electricity and natural gas distribution networks to overseeing public lighting, sewage systems, and district heating networks.

At the forefront of this impactful transformation is a dedicated team of experts, including Siebert Mylle, an expert in grid development. We sat down with him to explore his role in shaping the future of heat networks and how Fluidit Heat, a hydraulic simulation solution, has become a welcome ally in their mission.

As grid development experts, Mr. Mylle and his colleagues are focused on developing sustainable heat networks in Flanders. His responsibilities include advising municipalities on heat plans, developing high-level concepts, and optimizing existing heat networks for sustainability. This strategic approach aims to align with the broader energy efficiency and climate objectives.

Project Success with Fluidit Heat

Fluidit Heat software was introduced to Siebert as his colleagues sought a hydraulic simulation solution for designing district heating networks. Fluidit Heat emerged as the optimal choice, providing a seamless platform for calculating and simulating various district heating network concepts. Its flexibility in adjusting hydraulic and thermal parameters proved crucial in understanding the impact on the grid and exploring optimization possibilities.

For a new heat network project in Flanders, Fluidit Heat played a pivotal role. The tool facilitated thermal and hydraulic calculations for each project phase, enabling the team to make informed decisions regarding hydraulic equipment and optimize the network. Building new models was easy by importing shapefiles with attribute data. The ability to create project templates streamlined their workflow, saving valuable time and ensuring consistency across projects.

Fluidit Heat helped Fluvius deal with even the older existing heat networks. By collecting additional information and utilizing the tool, the team created digital twins of these heat networks. This not only provided a comprehensive understanding of the networks but also enabled addressing overdimensioning, optimizing, and exploring the integration of new heat sources.

“Earlier, Fluvius had to outsource all the hydraulic simulations. But now, with the introduction of Fluidit Heat, we are able to save a significant amount of money by doing simulations on our own.”

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Mr. Mylle shared insights into the development of district heating and cooling in Flanders. Mr. Mylle highlights some challenges they face: there are few useful heat sources, especially at medium and high temperatures. Furthermore, private property owners are hard to convince, in large numbers, to build an extensive heat grid. While acknowledging the challenges, Fluvius actively informs municipalities about heat plans and explores opportunities for collective heating. Where collective heating is not feasible, the emphasis is on promoting sustainability through insulation measures and individual heat pumps.

Recognizing the need for young professionals in the utility sector, Mr. Mylle proposed a strategy to attract talent: organizing employer events in educational institutions, cafes, and other gathering spots. “Working at an operator of critical energy infrastructure, you can really play an important role in the energy transition and climate adaptation, which are some of the best things about working at Fluvius”, states Mr. Mylle.

Conclusions

Today, Fluvius, with the aid of Fluidit Heat, stands as a beacon in the transformation of heat networks, showcasing how technology and expertise converge to drive sustainable energy practices. As they continue to navigate the evolving energy infrastructure landscape, Fluvius exemplifies a commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship, paving the way for a greener future in Flanders.

When asked about recommending Fluidit Heat to other utility and engineering companies, Mr. Mylle emphatically stated, “Yes.” The tool’s ability to simulate hydraulic scenarios effectively and the responsive support provided by the Fluidit team were highlighted as key reasons for the recommendation.

If you’re interested in learning how Fluidit Heat can elevate your district heating or cooling projects, reach out to us at sales@fluidit.com or fill out the contact form.