long-term factors that do not sit easily in the same model. “Achieving this balance in reality is a


very complex job and requires an under- standing of finance, engineering and op- erational matters that very few people have – and it is particular to the UK,” he explains. “What actually happens is that the model is made to suit the immediate circumstances and the risk is taken by the ESCOs. Therefore it is in the ESCO’s interest to ensure the quality of materials and installation is sufficient.” Richard believes BESA could play a crucial role in this by setting technical benchmarks and establishing a training and accreditation scheme for the heat network sector.


He believes the technical know-how is in place and was captured in the Code of Practice published last year by CIBSE. However, it is not compulsory so is not being universally adopted as a technical standard, but could, according to Richard, form the basis of technical training developed by BESA and backed by a contractor accreditation scheme managed by the Association. “The Government could insist that any scheme receiving money from the


Nationwide humidifier service team BESA district heating standard B


ESA has been chosen to publish the UK’s first test standard for Heat Interface Units (HIUs). This new standard is regarded as an important step towards improving the overall performance of British district heating schemes and has been adopted from a test regime developed by energy consultancy FairHeat. HIUs are key components of heat networks, used to extract heat from the network to feed individual buildings and dwellings. How they perform is central to occupant satisfaction levels and the overall efficiency of the schemes in terms of return temperatures and network sizing. Up until now many heat networks have failed to achieve their intended efficiency targets. The initial test regime was developed


by FairHeat in partnership with Martin Crane of Carbon Alternatives. It was adapted from a well-established Swedish methodology to suit typical UK operating conditions as part of a research project funded by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC). This initial test regime has now been adopted as a technical standard by BESA and it will be used to compare manufacturers’ products and equipment types to help network designers evalu-


ate the performance of individual HIUs against their design parameters. It will also be used to create a comprehensive database and improve the industry’s knowledge of HIU performance to better inform future network designs. “District schemes are a key part of the Government’s strategy for achieving low carbon heat targets,” said BESA’s technical director Tim Rook. “HIUs are the crucial interface between a network and its consumers – and, in many cases, they have proved to be an Achilles’ heel. “This standard is, therefore, a major step forward for UK heat networks and it is a real accolade for BESA to be asked to publish and disseminate it on behalf of the industry,” added Mr Rook. FairHeat managing director Gareth Jones added: “BESA is well respected in the sector and we are delighted they have decided to take our regime and publish it as a standard.


heat networks fund must be designed and installed to this standard,” he adds. “Local authorities could then ensure that the contractors working on their projects are competent and able to work to the standard. This would put BESA members at the forefront of this huge potential market.”


www.eneteq.co.uk BESA recently published the UK’s


first technical standard for the Heat In- terface Units (HIUs) – that form the link between a heat network and individual users – as part of its strategy for help- ing the industry improve heat network performance. (See more below) Visit: www.thebesa.com/ukhiu


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February 2017


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