{"id":2376,"date":"2026-08-20T16:12:56","date_gmt":"2026-08-20T14:12:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/relab.gebsoftware.com\/?page_id=2376"},"modified":"2026-10-29T09:24:07","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T08:24:07","slug":"district-heating-and-cooling","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.relab.polimi.it\/en\/home\/research\/district-heating-and-cooling\/","title":{"rendered":"District Heating and Cooling (DHC)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Description<\/h2>\n\n\n

District heating and cooling (DHC) networks are infrastructures that allow the extensive use of renewable energy sources to meet the intense energy demand of urban areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our researchers have extensive experience in conducting feasibility studies aimed at improving energy efficiency at urban level, reducing fossil fuel consumption, and minimizing pollutant emissions in both existing and new district heating networks. Their expertise includes the modelling and simulation of district heating networks and heat generation systems, as well as the assessment of thermal energy demand, at different scale of analysis. From a large-scale perspective with black box models, to detailed local planning by using GIS software and optimization models, to sizing and design of DH systems at building level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We support and collaborate with utilities and local authorities in the planning and operation of decarbonized district heating systems, and actively participate in national and international research projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Research Topics<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"\"\/<\/span>4GDH \u2013 Analysis on new models for 4GDH in Italy: an innovative for the fast integration of the RES sources<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"\/<\/span>District Energy in cities Initiative<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"\/<\/span>Smart and Flexible 100 % Renewable District Heating and Cooling Systems for European Cities<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"\/<\/span>Merezzate+<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"\"\/<\/span>SDHplus \u2013 Solar District Heating<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"\/<\/span>SDHp2m- Solar District Heating<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"\/<\/span>Deep demonstrations of healthy and Clean Cities \u2013 Milan (DDMI)<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"\/<\/span>Reinventing cities \u2013 Milano<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"\/<\/span>WH Polimi-RSE<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\n 01 <\/p>\n \n

\n Publications <\/h4>\n \n \n <\/div>\n\n \n<\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n\n\n\n\n\n
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\n 02 <\/p>\n \n

\n Projects <\/h4>\n \n \n <\/div>\n\n \n<\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n\n\n\n

Area Manager<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"alice-denarie\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Alice D\u00e9nari\u00e9<\/strong><\/p>

Associate Professor<\/strong>
<\/a>alice.denarie@polimi.it<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Other Research Areas<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\n Research <\/p>\n

\n Energy Scenarios <\/h4>\n
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\n \n \n Explore <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n
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\n Research <\/p>\n

\n Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) <\/h4>\n
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\n \n \n Explore <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n
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\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \"\"\n\n <\/picture>\n\n
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\n Research <\/p>\n

\n Heating and cooling systems based on renewable sources <\/h4>\n
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\n \n \n Explore <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n
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\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \"\"\n\n <\/picture>\n\n
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\n Research <\/p>\n

\n Energy efficiency in buildings <\/h4>\n
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\n \n \n Explore <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n
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\n \n Explore<\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n