In the case of individual heating and cooling, each building must possess sufficient capacity to generate the maximum thermal energy it will need (peak load capacity). Thus the capacity of heating and cooling equipment in a given district is simply the sum of the peak load capacities of each building.
In the case of DHC, the capacity of heating and cooling capacity is determined by peak load for the entire district, since peak load times vary according to the purpose of each building. Consequently, the required capacity is lower than for individual heating and cooling, so the capacity of heating and cooling equipment can be reduced for the entire district.
Load curve for each building
- The Minato Mirai 21 Central District consists of buildings with a wide range of uses, from office buildings and commercial facilities to large arenas, hotels, residences, and research facilities.
- Peak energy use varies for each type of building. For example, office buildings typically experience peak load during the day on weekdays, commercial facilities during the day on weekends and holidays, and event facilities from day to evening on weekends and holidays when events occur.