The first release of the THERMOS tool has been developed within the EU H2020 project THERMOS (October 2016 – June 2020). It is a free, open-source software that offers local authorities address-level data for the optimised expansion of an existing system, the planning of an entirely new system, or assessing the performance of specific networks or non-networked solutions via direct comparison.
THERMOS works with high-resolution spatial information, accurate and specific data and can be tailored to the financial, energy, climate change circumstances of the local authority involved.
The main features of the tool are:
-A heat network optimisation model to find a cost-optimal (or near-optimal) network design from a problem specification;
-OpenStreetMap for quick and easy map creation and analysis or the possibility to upload own GIS data;
-Heat map creation tool;
-Demand estimation method operating with limited data inputs in any location;
-Representation of variable pipe and dig costs (by pipe diameter), and network heat losses to the ground;
-Incorporation of capital costs for plant, pipes and connection, set against revenues from heat sales and monetised emissions;
-Interoperability with GIS formats, for model results and heat map export;
-Nearly comprehensive documentation of data requirements and model operation.
The first release of the THERMOS tool is available on the website of THERMOS project. A short video with a demonstration of the tool functionalities is also available. Check here out for the current version and for the future development.