Lämpövaihtoverkko

Lämpövaihtoverkko, also known as a thermal exchange network or district heating and cooling network, is a system for distributing thermal energy, typically hot water or steam for heating and chilled water for cooling, from a central source to multiple buildings. This centralized approach allows for greater efficiency in energy production and distribution compared to individual heating and cooling systems in each building.

The core components of a lämpövaihtoverkko include the heat or cooling generation plant, which can utilize various energy sources such as biomass, waste heat, geothermal energy, or conventional fuels. From the plant, insulated underground pipes transport the thermal medium to the connected buildings. Within each building, a heat exchanger or a cooling coil transfers the thermal energy from the network's medium to the building's internal heating or cooling system. Return pipes carry the cooled or heated medium back to the central plant for reheating or recooling.

Lämpövaihtoverkot offer several advantages, including reduced emissions due to more efficient energy generation, the potential to utilize renewable or waste energy sources, and improved energy security. They can also lead to lower operational costs for consumers. The implementation of such networks requires significant initial investment in infrastructure but can provide long-term economic and environmental benefits for urban areas and industrial sites.