Network Design

Pipe dimensioning, loss calculation, network temperatures and heat density

Network design fixes pipe diameters, temperatures and route layout, and with them the investment costs and heat losses over the network's lifetime. The goal is a hydraulically capable network with low pressure and heat losses at an economic heat line density. This topic area covers pipe dimensioning, pressure-loss and heat-loss calculation, and the choice of network temperatures.

5 articles in this category

District Heating Pipe Sizing: Methods & Criteria

How to size heat network / district heating pipes: flow velocities (0.5–2.5 m/s), pressure-gradient criteria (100–200 Pa/m) and diameter selection — with practical guidance and FAQ.

Pressure Loss Calculation in District Heating

Fundamentals of hydraulic calculation: pipe friction, local resistances and pressure distribution in district heating networks

Heat Loss Calculation According to DIN EN 13941

Calculating heat losses in buried district heating pipes: methods, influencing factors and typical values

Linear Heat Density in District Heating

What is linear heat density and why is it the central metric for the economic viability of district heating networks?

Network Temperatures in District Heating Networks

Supply and return temperatures in district heating networks: calculation, influencing factors and optimisation

Other topics

Building Simulation Dynamic simulation, summer heat protection, BIM and comfort analysis
Heat Generation Heat load demand, generation concepts, energy storage and efficiency
Network Hydraulics Pressurization, pressure profiles, operating modes, control and simulation
Piping Technology Pipe systems, network structure, laying methods and thermal expansion
Cold District Heating 5GDHC networks, dimensioning and prosumer concepts
Plant Engineering Transfer stations, pumps, heating curves, hydraulic balancing and domestic hot water
Planning Supply area, planning phases and project workflow
Economics Economic analysis, funding, tariff design and contracts
Operations Optimization Return temperature, temperature reduction, monitoring and digital twin

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