New method for heat loss calculation
Abstract
The process of heat transportation by means of heat distribution networks is accompanied by considerable heat losses, which has the impact on the overall operation of a heat distribution network as well as the efficiency of heat supply. Heat losses depend on several factors such as the temperature of transported working fluid, ambient temperature, design of the heat distribution system (channel, directly buried, underground, above-ground...), its length, the thickness and quality of the insulation material used.
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Introduction
Nowadays, heat loss is most commonly determined by the balance method based on the experimentally measured difference of temperature values on the inlet and outlet of the piping. Determination of total heat loss along a specific network section requires an accurate reading of the temperature of a heat carrier medium at the beginning and end of the studied section. At the same time, it is essential to know the mass flow rate of water within the examined part of the piping.
Conclusion
The methodology for determining heat losses of heat distribution networks, as presented in the article, is fairly simple. Based on the actual water temperature in direct and reverse piping and the ambient temperature, the value of specific as well as total heat loss of the examined heat transmission network can be readily determined. The presented method of calculating heat losses can be practically applied for the purposes of running heat distribution networks as well as assessing their efficiency.