lämmönjakeluverkostoon

Lämpöjakeluverkosto, often referred to as district heating, is a centralized system for distributing thermal energy, typically for space heating and hot water, from a heat source to multiple buildings. The heat source can be a combined heat and power (CHP) plant, industrial waste heat, biomass combustion, geothermal energy, or even large-scale heat pumps. The heat is transported through a network of insulated underground pipes, usually in the form of hot water or steam, to individual buildings.

Within a building, a heat exchanger transfers the heat from the district heating network to the building's internal heating system. This eliminates the need for individual boilers or furnaces in each structure, leading to reduced local emissions and potentially lower operating costs. District heating networks are common in urban areas and densely populated regions where the infrastructure investment is more economically viable.

The advantages of district heating include increased energy efficiency, especially when utilizing CHP or waste heat, and a reduction in air pollution at the consumer level. It also offers greater flexibility in fuel sources, allowing for the use of more sustainable or locally available options. The development and maintenance of these networks require significant planning and investment, but they play a crucial role in modern urban energy infrastructure.