Heat pumps to upgrade existing CHP-DHN systems towards new generation thermal networks

District heating networks with combined heat and power systems and renewable energies are one of the most promising solutions for efficient and sustainable energy supply. In many cases, however, especially for district heating networks prior to the 4th generation, significant renovations are required to meet decarbonization targets. In this paper a study is proposed to evaluate the integration of high temperature heat pumps in an existing combined heat and power - district heating plant to reduce fossil fuel consumption and increase the exploitation of renewable energy sources. The plant is currently operating in central Italy and connects more than 1250 users. The identified solution implies lowering the district heating networks operating temperature and supplying power peaks with a high temperature heat pump acting as a booster. Results showed significant improvements in system performance especially in the winter months, due to the greater impact of lowering the temperature level of the district heating network during these months. Overall, the updated scenario allows the overall demand and ground heat losses to be reduced annually by 5.3 % and 13.5 % respectively. This reduces natural gas consumption by 13.3 % and avoids the emission of about 836 tCO2. The analysis provides guidelines for the upgrade of 3rd generation district heating network that can be useful for planning improvements towards newest generation thermal networks.