Abstract: In this paper a set of solar-air source heat pump district heating system model is built and genetic algorithm is introduced in the resistance identifications of pipe network. Based on it,the variable flow regulation of the heating pipe network is studied to reduce the heat consumption of the system and the power consumption of the pump. Further a heating pipe network operation and regulation under the condition of load changes is carried out as an example of a district heating system including 4 thermal stations. The results show that when the load of the a thermal station in the heating area is abruptly changed,such as reducing from 168.62 kW to 5.85 kW,the energy saving potential of the system can be fully tapped under the premise of ensuring the hydraulic balance of the pipe network based on the resistance identification results:Compared with the conventional adjustment method,the electric power of the pump decreases from 13.94 kW to 10.46 kW,and the corresponding heating energy saving rate can reach 11.83%.