Transition towards a sustainable heating sector in municipality of Visoko with analysis of loading and optimization of solar collector carriers

Many traditional heating systems based on fossils face challenges such as lack of investment or unfavorable price regulation, low technical performance, impact on the environment and negative consumer perceptions. The CoolHeating project funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020 program, whose basic features and outcomes are presented in this work, promotes the implementation of small modular renewable heating and cooling grids for communities in South-Eastern Europe, including the town of Visoko as one of five target regions. Core activities, besides techno-economical assessments and social-environmental benefits, include measures to stimulate the interest of communities and citizens to set-up renewable district heating systems. In this work, an analysis was performed for implementation of small modular district heating system in Visoko, covering several public buildings and few neighborhoods in north-western part of town. Combination of different renewable energy sources were analyzed leading to an optimal and a very promising energy supply strategy due to its contribution to security of supply, financial stability, local economic development, local employment, etc. Possible financial savings for heating of 38% compared to current financial needs are determined. Structure optimization of solar collector holders was also performed, taking into account external influence, enabling savings in the structure material. This approach confirms feasibility of transition from traditional to renewable energy based heating system. Having in mind the modularity of such systems, similar solutions can be replicated in other South-Eastern European cities and other countries.