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conference cpote2026 logo
CPOTE2026 | 9th International Conference on
Contemporary Problems of Thermal Engineering
23-25 September 2026 | Kraków, Poland | In-person

Abstract CPOTE2026-6044-A

Techno-economic assessment and hydraulic optimization of large-scale river-source heat pump configurations for high-temperature district heating decarbonization

Łukasz JENDRYASEK, Silesian University of Technology // Department of Thermal Technology // Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Poland
Marcin SZEGA, Silesian University of Technology, Poland
Stanislav BOLDYRYEV, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Mariusz TAŃCZUK, Opole University of Technology, Poland
Stanisław ANWEILER, Opole University of Technology, Poland

This research evaluates the technical and economic feasibility of integrating large-scale river-source heat pump configurations into existing high-temperature district heating networks. Using high-resolution river temperature data and seasonal load profiles, the study presents a comparative analysis of technological architectures, including modular multi-stage cascades and industrial-scale units, to upgrade low-grade thermal energy to meet supply requirements at 70-90°C. Central to the performance analysis is optimizing hydraulic integration strategies. The study evaluates interconnection modes, specifically parallel and series configurations on both the supply and return lines, to maximize the Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) and minimize temperature lift requirements. Thermodynamic simulations indicate that optimized configurations consistently achieve the value of SCOP exceeding 3.0, resulting in primary energy consumption reductions of over 60% and annual CO2 emission decreases of nearly 80%. Preliminary financial indicators, including Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR), confirm the project's economic viability and its role in enhancing urban energy resilience. These findings establish a scalable framework for the systemic transition of urban thermal infrastructure from fossil-fuel dependence to sustainable, water-based heat recovery.

Keywords: Heat pumps, Waste heat recovery, Decarbonisation, Hydraulic optimisation, District heating