Data Center Heat Recovery & District Heating Simulator

Techno-economic model to capture waste heat from servers and upgrade via heat pumps into DH. Compare Air (~30°C) vs Liquid (~60°C).

COP_theoretical = T_target / (T_target − T_source) (K). COP_real = COP_theoretical × η. Q_out = Q_source × (COP_real / (COP_real − 1)).

Inputs

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FAQ

Why does source temperature (air vs liquid cooling) change COP so much?
Heat pump COP is driven by temperature lift. Higher T_source reduces the lift (T_target − T_source), increasing theoretical Carnot COP and improving real COP after applying η.
What does the η factor represent?
η is a practical efficiency factor applied to Carnot COP to approximate real heat pump performance (compressor, heat exchangers, approach temperatures, and control losses).
Why is T_target > 90°C flagged?
Supplying very high DH temperatures typically requires high-temperature heat pumps, different refrigerants, and may reduce achievable COP. Many modern DH networks are moving toward lower supply temperatures.
What does “avoided cooling credit” mean?
If exporting heat reduces the need for mechanical cooling, you can credit the project with avoided cooling energy/cost per MWh_th delivered. This can materially improve net economics.
Is LCOH here investment-grade?
It is a screening-grade LCOH using annualized CAPEX (CRF) and electricity cost. For investment-grade results, include O&M, availability, network losses, connection CAPEX, and a validated DH offtake profile.