Koaksiaalilämpöjärjestelmä

Koaksiaalilämpöverkko, known in English as a coaxial heat network, is a type of district heating and cooling system that utilizes a single pipe for both the supply and return flow of the heating or cooling medium. This is achieved by having two concentric pipes within a single casing. The inner pipe carries the medium in one direction, while the annular space between the inner and outer pipes carries it in the opposite direction.

This design offers several advantages. Firstly, it significantly reduces installation costs and space requirements compared to traditional systems with separate supply and return pipes. The single-pipe structure simplifies trenching and reduces the amount of insulation needed. Secondly, the coaxial design can improve energy efficiency. The close proximity of the supply and return flows can lead to a reduction in heat loss or gain.

Koaksiaalilämpöverkko systems are often employed in dense urban areas where space is at a premium. They can be used for both heating and cooling applications, drawing heat from sources like waste heat or geothermal energy, or rejecting heat to cooling towers or water bodies. The technology is a part of the broader trend towards more efficient and integrated urban energy infrastructure. Its implementation requires careful design and engineering to ensure optimal performance and longevity.