tulolämmitysverkosto

A tulolämmitysverkosto, often translated as a supply heating network or district heating network, is a centralized system for distributing heat to multiple buildings. It typically originates from a heat generation plant, which can utilize various energy sources such as burning biomass, waste incineration, or combined heat and power (CHP) plants. From this central source, hot water or steam is circulated through an underground network of insulated pipes to reach individual consumers.

The network consists of two main pipelines: a supply line carrying the hot medium from the plant to the buildings and a return line bringing cooler water back to the plant for reheating. Heat exchangers within each building transfer the thermal energy from the network water to the building's internal heating system, which then distributes it through radiators or underfloor heating. This centralized approach offers advantages in terms of efficiency, reduced local emissions, and the ability to use diverse and sometimes more sustainable fuel sources. It is a common form of urban heating infrastructure in many countries.