# Network Hydraulic Analysis: Elbufer & August-Bebel-Straße

Model-based analysis and development of the Elbufer and Bebelstraße district heating networks for Stadtwerke Riesa’s transformation planning

**Period:**:

07/2024 – 03/2026

**Client:**:

[Stadtwerke Riesa GmbH](https://www.stw-riesa.de/)

**Partners:**:

[DNV Energy Systems Germany GmbH](https://www.dnv.de/ueber-uns/energiesystemen/)

## Investigating Two Existing Heating Networks Together

 ![Simulation model of the connected Elbufer and Bebelstraße district heating networks](/images/sites/ea-energy/pages/references/district-heating-network-analysis-riesa/connected-district-heating-networks.webp)

As part of Stadtwerke Riesa’s transformation planning, the existing Elbufer and Bebelstraße district heating networks were to be analyzed and developed into a combined network. EA Systems implemented the concepts developed by DNV and the utility in dynamic network models and assessed the proposed alternatives. The project was referred through GESA – Ingenieurgesellschaft.

GIS-based models of the current condition were first created for both networks and calibrated against existing measurement data. A model of the planned target network was then developed. The focus was on the hydraulic and thermal effects of combining the networks and integrating an additional heat source.

## Key Areas of Work

- Creation of GIS and dynamic network models
- Hydraulic and thermal analysis of the current condition
- Integration of a heat-led heat pump to utilize additional waste heat
- Connection of the two existing district heating networks
- Assessment of network pressures and required hydraulic separation
- Assessment of potential supply and return temperature reductions
- Analysis of pipeline utilization and network cooling
- Modeling potential network expansions for new clients

## Target Scenario and Follow-Up Investigation

Hydraulic integration and control of three generation sites and compliance with allowable pipeline utilization were key constraints. DNV and Stadtwerke Riesa selected a target scenario based on the comparison of alternatives. EA Systems then modeled and simulated this scenario; the results were incorporated into DNV’s transformation plan.

The main project ran from July 2024 to November 2025. In a follow-up investigation in March 2026, existing models were reused to assess relocating pressure maintenance to a new site. This enabled verification of the sizing of an unpressurized balancing tank and investigation of the impact of dynamic network processes on pressure maintenance.

## Project Participants

- [Stadtwerke Riesa GmbH](https://www.stw-riesa.de/)
- [DNV Energy Systems Germany GmbH](https://www.dnv.de/ueber-uns/energiesystemen/)

## Further Insights

- [Project post on LinkedIn](https://lnkd.in/p/dZNuXnPK)
- [Further post on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ea-systems-dresden-gmbh_fernwaeurme-waeurmenetze-abwaeurme-activity-7474752814506962944-dUs3)