Kaupunginlämmitys

Kaupunginlämmitys, also known as district heating, is a system for distributing heat generated in a centralized plant to multiple buildings in a district or city. This heat is typically produced from sources such as combined heat and power (CHP) plants that burn fuels like natural gas, biomass, or waste, or from large boilers. In some cases, excess heat from industrial processes can also be utilized.

The system consists of an insulated network of underground pipes that carry hot water or steam from the production plant to the buildings. Inside each building, a heat exchanger transfers the heat from the district heating network to the building's internal heating system, which then distributes it to radiators or underfloor heating. The cooled water or condensate then returns to the production plant through a separate return pipe to be reheated.

Kaupunginlämmitys offers several advantages. It can be more energy-efficient than individual heating systems, especially when using CHP technology, as it recovers waste heat. It also contributes to improved air quality in urban areas by concentrating emissions at a single, often well-controlled, source. Furthermore, it can reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and promote the use of renewable energy sources. The implementation and operation of district heating systems require significant initial investment and careful planning but can provide reliable and cost-effective heating for a large number of consumers.