ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the savings in energy use that are possible when the heating, cooling and electricity needs of a collection of buildings are linked together in an integrated system. This is accomplished through a network of underground pipes to distribute heat and another network to distribute chilled water. The heat is ideally provided through cogeneration (the simultaneous production of electricity and useful heat) and by tapping non-electrical sources of waste heat that would otherwise be discarded. The cooling can be provided through dedicated central electric chillers, or through central absorption chillers that use waste heat from electricity generation. Such integrated systems have been referred to as ‘community-integrated energy systems’.
