Designing and planning heat networks
Community and district-heating specialist Switch2 Energy has published a free guide to designing and planning heat networks. The ’Design for the future’ guide provides advice to engineers, developers and designers on the key planning considerations to ensure smooth and efficient heat-network operation for lower whole-life costs and improved resident satisfaction.
Ian Allan, head of R&D, warns, ‘Failure to get the operational and design plans right at the start of the heat-network development process can led to higher operating and maintenance costs, lower customer satisfaction and a lack of long-term flexibility. It’s particularly important to consult with both the eventual operator of the district-heating scheme and residential customers to incorporate their needs from the outset.’
The guide covers 10 factors that developers should consider at the start of the planning cycle to ensure long-term operational success.
Ian Allan summarises, ‘By thinking holistically rather than focusing purely on technical aspects, developers can create successful schemes that can deliver lower-carbon lower-cost heat to our towns and cities.’
