Network Hydraulics

Pressurization, pressure profiles, operating modes, control and simulation

Network hydraulics describes how mass flows, pressures and temperatures interact within a heat network. Stable pressurization, an admissible pressure profile and coordinated control are prerequisites for supplying every consumer – including the hydraulically least favourable point. This topic area covers pressurization, pressure profiles, operating modes, control concepts and thermo-hydraulic simulation.

5 articles in this category

Network Operating Modes

Network operating modes in district heating networks: sliding, constant, and sliding-constant operation. Operating principles, advantages and disadvantages compared.

Pressurization and Expansion

Pressurization systems in thermal networks: open and closed systems, expansion volume and make-up water

Pressure Profile and Pressure Diagram

Pressure diagram, operating pressures and pressure conditions in thermal networks: MOP, critical point and total pressure

Network Control

Control concepts for thermal networks: differential pressure control, critical point and control with multiple feed-in points

Thermo-Hydraulic Simulation: A Deep Dive

Fundamentals of thermo-hydraulic simulation in district heating networks: methods, models and application

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 Design Pipe dimensioning, loss calculation, network temperatures and heat density
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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