Lämpöjakeluverkosto

Lämpöjakeluverkosto, often translated as district heating network, is a system of insulated pipes that delivers thermal energy from a central source to buildings. This thermal energy is typically used for space heating and domestic hot water. The central source can be a combined heat and power (CHP) plant burning fossil fuels, biomass, or waste, or it can be a dedicated heat-producing facility such as a boiler or a heat pump. Geothermal energy and solar thermal energy can also be integrated into district heating systems.

The network consists of two main types of pipes: supply pipes that carry hot water from the source to the consumers, and return pipes that carry cooler water back to the source for reheating. The water circulates continuously, maintaining a desired temperature. Heat exchangers are installed in each connected building to transfer heat from the district heating water to the building's internal heating system without the two water circuits mixing.

District heating offers several advantages. It can utilize a wider range of fuel sources, including waste heat from industrial processes, which might otherwise be lost. By centralizing heat production, it can achieve higher efficiencies and potentially lower emissions compared to individual heating systems in each building. It also reduces the need for individual boiler installations and fuel storage within buildings, leading to increased safety and space savings. The implementation of district heating is a significant infrastructure project requiring careful planning and investment.