Major issues and solutions in the management system of space heating system in North China

This paper discusses the key approaches for reducing heating energy consumption in North China. The major approaches are to prioritise the development of CHP heat sources and the application of an efficient CHP heating mode; to develop the district heating mode with a combination of coal and gas; and to implement reform of the heating charging system. However, the current heating management system is holding back the implementation of the above measures. It neither promotes effective CHP technology and "heating with a combination of gas and coal" technology, nor does it welcome heating system reform. It may even lead to a risky business model which relies on expansion. Additionally, it is hard to efficiently manage the end system, and the effects of heating subsidies for people in need cannot be maximized. After analyzing in detail the reasons behind these problems, the author proposes to change the current situation where "power plants manage the CHP system and heating companies manage the urban heating system" to a new mode where "heat source companies manage generating, peak-shaving and primary networks, while heating companies manage secondary networks and heating services of end users." Meanwhile, expansion fees should be cancelled, and real heat metering data should be used as the only settlement basis between heat source companies and heating companies. These measures could help avoid the above drawbacks effectively, and improve the energy saving of the district heating system in North China. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.