kaukolämpöverkoston

Kaukolämpöverkosto, often translated as district heating network, is a system used for distributing heat to multiple buildings from a central source. This heat is typically generated in a power plant or a dedicated heating facility. The network consists of insulated underground pipes that carry hot water or steam from the heat source to consumers.

The primary purpose of a kaukolämpöverkosto is to provide efficient and often more environmentally friendly heating solutions for urban areas and industrial sites. By centralizing heat production, it allows for the use of a wider range of fuel sources, including waste heat from industrial processes, biomass, and the combustion of fossil fuels. This can lead to reduced local emissions compared to individual heating systems in each building.

Consumers connected to a kaukolämpöverkosto receive heat through a heat exchanger located within their building. This exchanger transfers heat from the district heating network's medium to the building's internal heating and hot water systems. The return flow from the buildings, now cooler, is sent back to the central plant to be reheated.

Kaukolämpöverkosto systems are common in many European countries, particularly in Nordic nations, where they have a long history of development and widespread implementation. They offer advantages such as energy efficiency, reduced reliance on individual fuel storage, and the potential for integrating renewable energy sources. The planning and maintenance of these extensive underground networks are significant undertakings, requiring careful consideration of thermal insulation, pressure management, and expansion capabilities.