Heat networks
www.heatingandventilating.net
Exploring the role of heat networks in a low-carbon future
Steve Richmond, head of technical at REHAU Building Solutions, discusses the main talking points from REHAU’s latest district heating workshop, alongside the launch of a new whitepaper to help contractors integrate this technology
A
s the UK edges ever closer to its goal of achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050, debate continues to swirl around
which technologies will form the backbone of this transition. There has been much conversation around district heating, given that it pairs well with other low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps and waste heat, with Government support displaying recognition of its enormous potential. However, given that this technology currently supplies only 2-3% of the nation’s total heat demand, it is clear that greater awareness is needed in order to achieve widespread uptake. This figure is anticipated to reach 20% by 2050, though many of our European contemporaries are already succeeding in integrating this technology at present. In Germany, for instance, district heating is the main heating system for over a quarter of new build homes, while over 60% of all Danish homes are connected to a heat network. The stark contrast between these figures
clearly illustrates a need for better guidance if widespread rollout of heat networks is to be achieved, particularly when taking into account the number of unique considerations for each new project. This includes choice of heat source, material specification for pipework, layout pattern, the jointing process and more.
Addressing the need for education
In an effort to address this charge, REHAU recently hosted a district heating workshop at the Building Centre in central London. Bringing together specifiers, contractors, local authorities, developers and key decision-makers working on district heating projects, the event aimed to explore some of the core questions surrounding this technology in an effort to make it more accessible. The event featured talks from a number of high-
profile sector experts, including Ken Hunnisett of Triple Point Heat Networks, Akos Revesz of South Bank University, Tom Rook of Clade Engineering Systems, Anttonis Thrasyvoulou and Vishal Bhowmik
24 February 2023
of AECOM, and Rob Temlett of Metropolitan. The workshop also served as a debut for REHAU’s latest technical whitepaper, Trends in District Heating Pipework, which has been launched in order to help the UK heat network market close the gap on that of mainland Europe. Within the whitepaper, Alexandra Leedham, technical team leader at REHAU Building Solutions, explores key considerations for fourth and fifth generation heat networks to help specifiers and contractors get to grips with the technology.
Key considerations
For instance, the whitepaper offers an in-depth breakdown of material specification, weighing up the benefits of steel pipework vs polymer. As the traditional choice, steel is widely available in a large variety of sizes and is capable of operating at temperatures exceeding 100°C. However, the lower temperatures of fourth and fifth generation networks render this advantage obsolete, with many newer schemes designed for a maximum of 60- 70°C flow temperature. In all other categories, such as installation time
and costs, polymer has significant advantages. The more flexible nature of the material allows it to be curved around obstacles, reducing the
number of joints underground. Additionally, polymer pipes negate the need for costly expansion loops necessary with steel pipework. Perhaps most critically, polymer pipework does not require a specialist steel welder to facilitate installation, with Rehau’s Rauvitherm and Rauthermex instead using the company’s own Everloc jointing system, which both civil or mechanical contractors can be trained upon.
This factor may prove key to achieving the
rollout speeds necessary for the UK to close the gap on its European contemporaries. Moreover, the whitepaper’s analysis also extends to lesser known factors such as the environmental impact of transport, comparing the carbon emission from freight of PE-Xa pipework to that of steel. Thanks to its lower weight and ability to be transported cut-to- length in coils, polymer pipework can deliver up to a 67% carbon saving over its steel counterpart, which is a key consideration for any contractor concerned with the environmental impact of a new project. While no single resource will prove to be a
comprehensive guide on district heating networks, Rehau’s whitepaper is an important starting point to help provide UK specifiers and contractors with the education necessary to enable wider rollout of this technology.
DOWNLOAD THE HVR APP NOW
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36
