OPTIMISATION WITHGIS (GEOGRAPHICINFORMATIONSYSTEMS)

WWW.RAMBOLL.COM

OPTIMISATION WITH GIS(GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATIONSYSTEMS)GIS IS THE NATURAL TOOL TO ENSURE DATACONTINUITY FROM PROJECT PLAN TO OPERATION ANDMAINTENANCERamboll has more than 35 years ofexperience working with districtheating systems, with a constantfocus on developing new methodsand tools to improve proceduresand results. GIS has for many years been one ofthe tools applied. A recent goal hasbeen the integration of districtheating network data into a singlesystem, in light of the fact that theresult and execution of every task isdirectly dependent on the qualityand availability of necessaryinformation.

Success parameters (Theexpectations)

Benefits of district heating systemsare primarily measured by theresulting heat prices, but also interms of frequency and duration ofoperational downtime. To provide lower heating prices andensure the greatest amount ofuptime requires clear and closecoordination of different tasks bythe parties involved. An optimal use of GIS enablesnatural data continuity throughoutdifferent tasks – ensuring basicinformation used is always updatedacross the entire organisation.

Different systems (The challenge)

District heating systems are com-plex and distributed over relativelylarge geographic areas, with numer-ous external factors influencing theconditions of the network. Network information often extendsacross many different systems,since each function in the operationof the district heating network often

has its own system for handling ofdata: • SCADA for daily operations.• Pipeline registration.• Sales databases in connection

with area expansion.• Customer databases/consumer

billing systems to handle existingcustomers.

• Maintenance systems.• Hydraulic calculation systems. The various systems can rarelyaccess each other’s data, leading tounnecessary obstacles in solvingtasks involving more than onesystem.

Single point of entry (The solution)

Using GIS as the single point ofentry to different data systemsoffers a wide range of advantages: • Better communication, through

increased data availability.• Improved visualisation.• Faster response time, as it is no

longer necessary to first determinewhich system houses the relevantinformation.

• Better data quality, as updatesonly need to be made once, afterwhich they are available in allsystems.

• Reduced downtime on thenetwork.

• Operational savings.

Use of GIS (The tool)

Data in a GIS system can beaccessed in different ways: • Via a GIS program.• On the internet.• Using a mobile device. The data to which a user has

access, and the extent to which theusers can manipulate data, dependson the user rights determined in thesystem. Thus, as an example, it ispossible to design a web solutionthat constantly displays plannedmaintenance tasks or status on newconnections. When working in the field, thepipeline plans can be downloadeddirectly to a tablet or smartphone. For maintenance tasks, a list ofaffected consumers can be createdautomatically, and other projects inthe same area can be included toavoid unnecessary downtime.

Better district heating (The result)

Due to the long lifespan of districtheating networks, and the everchanging levels of heatingconsumption, periodic re-evaluationand optimisation of the systemdesign is called for. Regular maintenance plans canpredict when sections of thenetwork need upgrading, but it isonly possible to avoid errors in thescope of the maintenance planswhen correlating with hydraulicanalysis of the network. An integrated GIS system improvescommunication across workspacesand tasks, which is a prerequisite foreffective operation and mainten-ance of a district heating network.

GIS for district heating

GIS offers advantages in all phases ofthe district heating lifecycle.

Planning

Customer status integrated in GISkeeps track of the sales process,customer visits, technical reviews, andprovides a thorough overview of theprogress in the district heatingcompany’s sales efforts.

Hydraulics

Hydraulic calculations integrated inGIS make it possible to ensureoptimal updates of data such aspipeline registration, consumerdatabases and SCADA systems. Thisimproves the connection betweenrecorded data and the hydraulic datamodel.

Maintenance

GIS is a highly effective tool for use indaily operations. Pipeline andcustomer information such as ageand heating demand can be displayedboth with colours and text. This offersa good overview of the condition ofdistrict heating networks and,combined with a maintenance plan,can ensure the optimal usage of themaintenance budget.

Mobile access

With modern GIS systems, data isavailable on site, for example on atablet. This allows recorded data tobe accessed, and pictures andcomments to be added directly, onlocation. Mobile access to pipelinerecords ensures optimal conditionsfor intelligent operation and main-tenance of a district heating network.