Teplárny

A teplárna, or district heating plant, is an industrial facility that produces heat, primarily for space heating and domestic hot water, in a centralized location. This heat is then distributed to consumers through a network of insulated underground pipes, known as a district heating system. Teplárny are common in many European countries, particularly in colder climates, where they offer an efficient and often more environmentally friendly alternative to individual heating systems.

The heat generated by a teplárna can come from various sources. Traditionally, many were fueled by fossil fuels like coal and natural gas. However, there is a growing trend towards using more sustainable energy sources. These include waste incineration, where the combustion of municipal solid waste generates heat, and biomass, utilizing wood chips, agricultural waste, and other organic materials. Some facilities also employ combined heat and power (CHP) generation, simultaneously producing electricity and heat from a single fuel source, significantly increasing overall energy efficiency. Geothermal energy and heat recovered from industrial processes are also increasingly being integrated into district heating systems.

The district heating network consists of supply and return pipelines. Hot water is pumped through the supply pipes to buildings, where it passes through heat exchangers. These exchangers transfer the heat from the district heating water to the building's internal heating system, without the two water systems mixing. The cooled water then returns to the teplárna through the return pipes to be reheated. This closed-loop system allows for efficient heat transfer and minimizes energy loss. The use of district heating can reduce local air pollution compared to widespread individual heating, as emissions are concentrated at a single, often more advanced, facility with better pollution control technologies.