Soojusvõrrku

Soojusvõrrku, a term that translates to "heat network" or "district heating network" in English, refers to a centralized system designed to distribute thermal energy, primarily for heating buildings and providing hot water, from a central source to multiple consumers. These networks are a common method of providing efficient and often more environmentally friendly heating solutions in urban and densely populated areas.

The central source for a soojusvõrrku can vary. It might be a large-scale power plant that generates electricity and heat simultaneously through combined heat and power (CHP) technology, a dedicated boiler plant burning various fuels such as natural gas, biomass, or waste, or even geothermal or solar thermal energy. The heat is then transferred to a circulating fluid, typically water, which is pumped through an insulated underground pipe system to reach individual buildings.

Within each connected building, heat exchangers facilitate the transfer of heat from the network's hot water to the building's internal heating system. This system then distributes the heat to radiators or underfloor heating elements. The return water, having given up its heat, is then sent back to the central source to be reheated, completing the cycle.

The advantages of soojusvõrrku include increased energy efficiency, reduced local emissions compared to individual heating systems, and the ability to utilize a wider range of fuel sources, including renewable and waste heat. They can also contribute to improved urban air quality. However, the initial investment and infrastructure costs can be substantial, and the efficiency of the network is dependent on factors such as heat loss from the pipes and the distance from the heat source to the consumers.