A comparative life cycle assessment of fifth-generation district heating and cooling systems

Abstract

With the growing global demand for cooling, there is a critical need for sustainable solutions that efficiently provide both heating and cooling. Fifth-generation district heating and cooling (5GDHC) systems present a promising option, integrating renewable energy and enabling energy sharing. Despite their potential, the environmental performance of 5GDHC systems has not been comprehensively studied until now. This study addresses this critical gap by conducting the first comprehensive cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment of 5GDHC systems, uniquely incorporating hybrid environmental flow coefficients. This approach significantly enhances the coverage and accuracy of the analysis compared to traditional assessment methods. Using the University of Melbourne’s proposed Fishermans Bend campus as a case study, we compare different 5GDHC configurations with a state-of-the-art traditional system. Our findings reveal that 5GDHC systems can reduce total life cycle GHG emissions by up to 52%, particularly when suitable heat sources and sinks are available. This study underscores the importance of considering life cycle impacts in the early planning stages of energy systems, positioning 5GDHC as a viable solution for the energy transition.

Topics & Concepts