Heat networks
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Engineers’ influence on efficiency
As a result of some negative press surrounding heat networks, many people picture unreliable energy systems, and excessive, opaque charging. That’s a far cry from the huge benefits the technology can deliver according to Steve Morris, head of maintenance, Insite Energy
W
hen working optimally, heat networks are expected to use less energy than comparable dwellings with individual gas
boilers. Unsurprisingly, it’s always the bad examples that make the headlines, so, what’s the real story? In fact, the difference between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ heat networks often lies in the hands of the maintenance contractors. Well designed and installed communal heating systems can provide decades of highly efficient and reliable heating and hot water – but only if they’re properly looked after. Otherwise, their efficiency reduces, leading to higher energy costs and emissions, impaired comfort, shorter repair, and replacement cycles and even safety issues.
Growing opportunity
Government backing means the prevalence of heat networks is rising fast. If all goes to plan, we can expect to see them meeting around 20-43% of UK heat demand by 2050, compared to 3% today. That means the need for M&E service providers with the knowledge and training to maintain these high- value, complex systems should shoot up too. With energy prices continuing to present big
challenges for housing providers and residents alike, engineers have a huge role to play in keeping costs down and ensuring the long-term success of this vital component of the UK’s Net Zero strategy. In recent months, we’ve seen a big uptick in
10 May 2023
Left: Steve Morris, head of maintenance, Insite Energy
interest among our clients to invest in improving the efficiency of their heat networks. This presents a golden opportunity for contractors who are interested in making a name for themselves in the heat network sector by driving efficiency while helping to fight fuel poverty.
Five ways engineers can make a big difference
1. Know your stuff – Whether you’re working alone, or managing a team, it’s crucial that engineers have the right knowledge to maximise system efficiency. Consider signing up to CIBSE’s heat network consultancy course to learn how to assess a heat network site in line with CP1 regulations and become ‘HN Approved’. Your employer might be able to fund the course for you. You’ll also likely need an ‘F Gas certificate’ as new heat network developments are increasingly incorporating heat pumps and are often so well insulated that cooling can be even more of a priority than heating!
2. Conduct an energy audit – Carry out a detailed efficiency survey of the entire heat network to identify and resolve problem areas (companies like ours can help with this). On average, this will yield efficiency improvements of 10-20%. In a 50-unit development, that equates to around £9,600-16,100 fuel savings per annum. 3. Prioritise regular maintenance and don’t cut corners – Although it can be tempting for engineers to keep prices as low as possible to win business, their real value lies in maintaining the optimal functioning and longevity of their clients’ assets. That might mean stripping down pipework and inspecting valves rather than just checking for leaks, even if it costs £350 instead of £50. A provider that only performs basic maintenance will not offer the best long-term value. The SP20 legislation setting out standards for plant room maintenance is there for a reason and it’s important to comply with it. 4. Monitor continuously – Monitoring is the bedrock of efficiency in any heating system, but with heat networks, it’s even more important. Keeping an eye on heat interface units (HIUs) and tracking temperatures to ensure there are no bypasses is essential to spot anomalies quickly. It’s far better to regularly monitor a system remotely then review any issues on site than simply service every two years, potentially leaving harmful issues undetected for long periods. 5. Join the dots – Unlike traditional heating systems, heat networks are large, interconnected structures made up of many related elements which cannot be dealt with in isolation. The most common mistake heating engineers make is treating a HIU within a network like an individual system instead of considering the scheme in its entirety. It’s vital to remain mindful of the knock-on effects work on one area may have elsewhere. Because heat networks are still relatively niche,
it’s often difficult for facility managers to find good heating engineers with the right skills and experience to look after them. Meanwhile, the energy crisis has, quite rightly, drawn attention to the importance of energy efficiency. All this means there’s an urgent need for more engineers to step up to help turn heat networks from negative headlines into Net Zero success stories.
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