The Analysis of Selected Characteristics of Secondary Heat Networks
Abstract
A heat network is a pipeline system through which the heat-transferring medium is conveyed, in the required amount and condition, from a source to a heating appliance. The heat loss depends on a number of parameters, such as the temperature of the medium, temperature of the environment where the analysed heat network is located, and the thickness and quality of the installed insulation. The present article deals with the efficiency of the heat distribution system relative to the temperature in the supply pipeline and in the return pipeline in overhead and direct-buried distribution systems, as well as the effect of the heat loss on such efficiency.
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Introduction
When conveying heat trough heat networks, it is not possible to exclude heat losses that significantly affect the operation of a particular heat network and the overall cost-efficiency of the heat supply. Therefore, they must be paid more attention and it is necessary to understand the physics behind the heat loss formation in order to subsequently minimise it to the optimal level. It is also important to express the heat loss as the percentage of the distributed heat. The efficiency of the distribution system, with regard to the intact installed pipeline insulation, may acquire various values.
Conclusion
The heat loss of networks cannot be determined in general, only specifically for a particular network, because it largely depends on the network size and capacity. If the capacity of a particular heat network is not sufficiently used, the specific heat loss is high and such operation is not cost-efficient.
The graphs presented above indicate that the process of designing the heat distribution pipelines should be performed while considering the optimal parameters in order to achieve the minimum heat loss.