Heat Network Consultants
As accredited CIBSE Heat Network consultants we can do feasibility and design for heat networks for district and communal heating.
We have particular expertise in 5th Generation ambient loop projects.
Building Services- Detailed Design
Heat Network Consultants
Heat Network Feasibility
CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers) has published guidance on conducting feasibility studies for heat networks. A heat network, also known as a district heating system, is a system that supplies heat to multiple buildings from a central heat source. Conducting a feasibility study is an important step in determining whether a heat network is a viable option for a particular site.
A heat network feasibility study includes the following key steps:
- Assessing the potential demand for heat: This involves gathering accurate data on the current and future heat demand of the buildings that could be served by the heat network.
- Identifying the heat sources: This involves identifying potential heat sources, such as heat pumps or solar thermal.
- Identifying the heat distribution network: This involves determining the most efficient and cost-effective way to distribute the heat from the central source to the buildings.
- Evaluating the financial viability: This involves assessing the costs and benefits of the heat network, including the initial capital costs, operating costs, and potential revenue streams.
- Evaluating the environmental impact: This involves assessing the carbon emissions and environmental impact of the heat network.
- Developing a business case: This involves developing a detailed business case for the heat network, including a financial analysis, risk assessment, and stakeholder engagement plan.
Overall, conducting a comprehensive feasibility study is an essential step in determining whether a heat network is a viable and sustainable option for a particular site. The CIBSE guidance provides a useful framework for carrying out this analysis.
Heat Network detailed design
The detailed design of a heat network is a crucial stage in the development of a district heating system. It involves designing and specifying the components of the system, including the central heat source, the heat distribution network, and the heat interface units (HIUs) that connect to the individual buildings.
Some key steps involved in the detailed design of a heat network:
- Optimise the heat source: this can reduce plant room and capital cost and allow maximum use of fee renewable energy and storage.
- Design the heat distribution network: The design of the heat distribution network includes determining the optimal pipe size, pipe routing, insulation requirements, and location of valves, pumps, and control equipment. The layout should be optimized to minimize heat losses, ensure hydraulic balance, and provide flexibility for future expansion.
- Design the heat interface units: The HIUs are the devices that transfer heat from the distribution network to the individual buildings. They typically consist of a heat exchanger, flow control valve, and temperature sensor, and may be integrated with the building’s hot water system. The design of the HIUs should take into account the anticipated heat demand of the building and ensure that they are appropriately sized and installed.
- Specify control and monitoring systems: The control and monitoring systems are an essential part of the heat network, providing real-time information on heat demand, flow rates, and temperatures, and allowing the system to be optimized for energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Ensure compliance with regulations and standards: The detailed design of a heat network must comply with relevant regulations and standards, including building codes, health and safety regulations, and energy efficiency standards.
Overall, the detailed design of a heat network is a complex process that requires expertise in mechanical and electrical engineering, as well as knowledge of regulations and standards.
It is important to engage experienced consultants to ensure that the design is optimized for performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
Further Case Studies:
Independent Service Engineers
How We
Can Help
Traditionally heating/services were a standard work package handled by the trades and architects but buildings, regulations and the needs of the client have become more complex over time, and rightly so. Heating is integral to the comfort and well-being of your home/work and is only now been given proper consideration in the build. Also, often it can have the largest impact on operating cost for you in terms of bills and carbon impact over the long-term. In addition, there are a multitude of options available with renewable technologies in a fast-changing market. There can be a considerable cost benefit to have input from specialist independent building service engineers at several stages.
Use our decades of experience
Appointing an engineer to deal with the all services will save you time, money and energy!
Energy is complex!
our professional services Include:
Lùths Services are an independent services engineering consultancy who specialise in low energy and renewable design and implementation.
Issues that may arise in Services
- Oversizing Services
- Non flexibility of approach to large / small projects
- Non suitability of technology in reality
- Lack of integration between services