70 HEATING, VENTILATION & SERVICES
systems and even waste heat recovery systems from nearby data centres. Fifth generation systems, using ambient loops and heat pumps in each building to boost the temperature are also in development, though the main focus remains on transi- tioning from third generation networks to fourth generation.
MATERIAL SPECIFICATION One of the fi nal considerations before commissioning a heat network for a housing project should be material specifi cation namely polymer or steel pre-insulated pipework. The choice here can have a knock-on effect on network design and installation, so it is important to weigh up the applications of each. Steel has traditionally been used for district heating networks, is available in larger sizes and can also withstand higher temperatures (above 100°C) and pressures. However, with newer low-temperature systems, these high temperatures are not typically needed anymore.
By its very nature, the installation of steel pipework is more complex, requiring wider trenches and specialist welding contractors. Moreover, due to the large forces involved, steel pipework requires epansion loops to be fi tted adding to the overall complexity of the build as
more joints and pre-fabricated sections are needed. Together, these factors result in a slower installation, which presents the risk of running over and impacting the wider build. Polymer pipework, on the other hand, facilitates a much quicker installa- tion in order to minimise the impact on the rest of the project.
Large diameter polymer pipes made of
PP-R can be used for the main spine of the network, creating a fully polymer system from the energy centre to each individual house. A whole polymer network will typically have lower heat losses than an equivalent size steel network as the lambda value of the polyurethane foam used in PE-Xa pipe is lower. Lastly, and perhaps most critically, polymer pipework also provides the best level of corrosion resistance compared to rival solutions. This provides the housebuilder with the highest confi dence level in the systems long-term performance.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Entering the world of district heating can be a daunting prospect for any housebuilder, with multiple factors to take into consideration. The points outlined here offer only a glimpse into the vast potential of this technology, though
THE FIRST THING TO BE AWARE OF BEFORE UNDERTAKING A DISTRICT HEATING INSTALLATION IS THE FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EACH GENERATION OF THIS TECHNOLOGY
should offer a good starting point for any developer looking to make use of a heat network for their housing project. Primarily, housebuilders should consider fourth generation networks due to their synergy with low-carbon heat sources such as heat pumps, which will help the site achieve a lower carbon footprint once in operation. Here, specifying polymer pipework over steel might also be a sensible choice, as it is better suited to fourth generation networks and quicker and easier to install.
Steve Richmond is head of marketing and technical at Rehau Building Solutions
Housebuilder specifies Stelrad Radiators
Radiators are the key sharer of heat around homes in the UK and many housebuilders are specifying designer radiators because they want their customers to benefit from a premium product as part of the new home’s specification. One of these is Erris Homes, based in Leeds. The company has
chosen the Compact with Style design radiators from Stelrad. Purchasing radiators from a locally based manufacturer is definitely a plus for Erris Homes as it means it is not only supporting its local supply chain but also minimising its environmental impact due to the reduced distance of transport for the radiators from the National Distribution Centre alongside the Stelrad factory to the sites around Yorkshire.
0800 876 6813
www.stelrad.comHBD PR-Edit Panel_Layout 1 10/05/2018 10:50 Page 1
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The Housebuilder & Developer (HBD) website is an online provider of past and present products and news items for the housebuilder and developer.
hbdonline.co.uk is a one-stop source for all the latest press releases providing any visitor with access to information about products and services that they may require. From thewebsite, you can find links to digital issues that have live
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