The master's thesis addresses the design and implementation of a supervisory system for district heating in multi-apartment and public buildings within a selected distribution area. Modern energy guidelines and the need for energy use optimization dictate the development of advanced solutions that enable real-time monitoring and control of heating systems. The objective of the thesis was to establish a reliable, flexible, and cost-effective control system that connects local control units with a central supervisory system, while enabling easy maintenance and expansion.
The initial chapters introduce the technological and theoretical fundamentals of district heating. They describe the types of district heating networks, heat transfer principles, and current-generation technologies. Key components of district heating systems such as substations, heat exchangers, and valves are briefly presented. This is followed by an overview of supervisory control systems and their core components.
The existing district heating system in the Piran–Lucija settlement is analyzed, revealing outdated infrastructure including legacy SCADA platforms, communication modules, and controllers. These limitations cause reduced system reliability, slow response times, and limited analysis capabilities. The planned upgrade includes replacing the SCADA system with the modern Movicon platform, introducing IP-based communication, and replacing obsolete PLCs with Climatix controllers. Special attention is given to the needs of users and operators, emphasizing transparency, reliability, and energy efficiency. The comprehensive upgrade aims to improve system performance and readiness for future digital transformation.
Based on the analysis of the current state of the Piran–Lucija district heating system, a complete renovation of the central supervisory system was planned. The goal was to establish a modern, scalable, and secure system including updated hardware and software along with robust IP communication. The new system architecture is based on Climatix PLCs, the Movicon SCADA platform, a SQL database, and a secure communications network. The system supports remote control, automated data archiving, alarm handling, integration with IoT solutions, and predictive control. These features improve operational efficiency, increase reliability for end-users, and simplify system management and maintenance.
The thesis continues with the practical implementation of the solution. The Movicon SCADA environment was designed modularly, with separate subprojects and a centralized real-time database, allowing for clarity, scalability, and ease of maintenance. Standard communication protocols (Modbus TCP/IP and OPC UA) were used, and visualization was implemented using dynamic graphic elements linked to database variables.
The heating logic was developed with support for multiple operation modes, responsive to external and internal conditions. Control algorithms are based on PID regulation, with added safety features such as frost protection and domestic hot water control. For field communication, industrial Teltonika RUT955 routers were used, ensuring reliable VPN-secured connections.
Prior to commissioning, extensive simulation testing validated full system functionality. Following successful on-site deployment and activation, system optimization was performed, which improved operational efficiency and reliability of system.
In the final chapter, the system is evaluated, summarizing key aspects of the work. The advantages of the new system are highlighted alongside its current limitations, with suggestions for future improvements and development.
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