lämpöjakelujärjestelmät

Lämpöjakelujärjestelmät, commonly known as district heating systems, are networks designed to distribute heat generated in a central location to multiple buildings for space heating and domestic hot water. These systems typically use hot water or steam as the heat transfer medium, which is circulated through an underground network of insulated pipes. The heat is produced from various sources, including combined heat and power (CHP) plants, industrial waste heat, geothermal energy, and biomass.

The primary advantage of district heating is its efficiency. By centralizing heat production, it allows for the use of larger, more efficient boilers and the exploitation of low-grade heat sources that would be uneconomical for individual buildings. This can lead to significant reductions in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to individual heating systems. Furthermore, district heating systems can improve air quality in urban areas by relocating polluting heat sources away from residential zones.

The components of a district heating system include the heat source, the distribution network, and the substations. The distribution network consists of supply and return pipes. At the consumer's building, a substation transfers heat from the district heating network to the building's internal heating system. This transfer is typically done via a heat exchanger, which keeps the building's water separate from the district heating network's water. Modern district heating systems are increasingly incorporating smart technologies for optimized control and monitoring of heat flow and temperature. The expansion and modernization of these systems are considered a key strategy for achieving energy efficiency and climate goals in many regions.