Sankey charts are a powerful tool for understanding complex networks, such as the distribution of energy within urban areas. In this article, we will take a visual journey through the use of Sankey charts to understand the distribution of energy in urban energy networks.
City Energy Networks

Before we dive into the world of Sankey charts, it’s important to understand the basic structure of a city energy network. A city energy network is like a web of connected cities, with each city acting as a node and its energy production, distribution, and reuse processes acting as the edges of the web. The energy flows in these networks can take many forms, including electricity, natural gas, and water.
Creating a Sankey Chart

Once you have an understanding of the structure of a city energy network, you can create a Sankey chart to visualize these data. A Sankey chart consists of multiple layers, each of which represents a different concept within the network. For example, the top layer of the Sankey chart would represent the production of energy in each city, while the bottom layer would represent its distribution and reuse processes.
Applying Sankey Charts to Energy Distribution

Now, let’s explore how you can apply Sankey charts to understand the distribution of energy within urban energy networks. By dividing the Sankey chart into smaller elements, you can clearly see the flow of energy in different directions, which can help you identify the key players in the distribution of energy within the network.
The top layer of the Sankey chart would represent the production of energy in each city. For example, you could use a different color or shade to represent different types of energy production, such as natural gas or renewable energy. The production of these different types of energy would then be shown in different directions within the Sankey chart.
Moving down to the next level of the Sankey chart, you could represent the distribution of energy within each city. For example, you could represent the energy that is used for electrical power generation and distribution, as well as the energy that is used for heating and cooling. The distribution of energy in each city would then be shown in different directions within the Sankey chart.
Finally, the bottom layer of the Sankey chart would represent the reuse processes for energy. For example, you could show the energy that is used for waste treatment or energy generation from waste products. This layer would provide a clear picture of the overall distribution of energy within the network.
Conclusion

In conclusion, Sankey charts are a powerful tool for understanding complex networks, such as the distribution of energy in urban energy networks. By dividing the Sankey chart into smaller elements, you can clearly see the flow of energy in different directions, which can help you identify the key players in the distribution of energy within the network. By applying Sankey charts to energy distribution, you can provide a comprehensive view of the distribution of energy and identify potential areas for improvement or expansion within the network.

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