Comparison with Other Tools
The right software for the right planning phase: Understand the differences between strategic planning tools and detailed design software.
The right software for every planning phase
Different tools are used in district heating planning depending on the project phase. For concept studies, feasibility and municipal heat planning, quick pre-design tools are often sufficient. As soon as pipe diameters, pumps, temperatures at the end of the network or part-load behaviour have to be designed reliably, a dynamic thermo-hydraulic simulation such as VICUS Districts is the appropriate approach.
Feature Comparison
Pre-design tools and VICUS Districts
| Feature | Concept and pre-design tools | VICUS Districts |
|---|---|---|
| Typical use | Concept, feasibility, municipal heat planning | Concept to detailed design |
| Network drawing on GIS/plan basis | Depends on tool | |
| Import of ALKIS, DXF, PDF | Depends on tool | |
| Export network plan as DXF | Depends on tool | |
| Pressure loss and hydraulic calculation | Depends on tool | |
| Dynamic simulation with temperature travel times in pipes | Depends on tool | |
| Pump control (e.g. index-point control) | Depends on tool | |
| Pump sizing | Depends on tool | |
| Soil model along the route (cold district heating) | Depends on tool | |
| Bill of materials | Depends on tool | |
| Integrated economic analysis | Often included | Export of results |
As of October 2026. The scope of other tools varies considerably – the specifications of the respective vendors are authoritative.
Detailed Analysis
Concept and pre-design tools
Browser- and GIS-based tools for early planning phases
Designed for quick scenario building in concept studies, feasibility studies and municipal heat planning. The scope of calculation varies considerably between tools – from energy balances to hourly hydraulic and thermal calculations.
Strengths
- Quick setup of network variants
- Often integrated economic analysis
- Suitable for feasibility studies and funding applications
- No installation required for browser-based tools
Limitations
- Model depth and time resolution vary widely
- For detailed design, check the vendor specifications in each case
Classic network calculation programs
Multi-utility for gas, water and heat
Established programs for calculating utility networks with a broad range of functions. They are frequently used by network operators for existing networks.
Strengths
- Broad range of functions
- Long track record with network operators
- Several utilities in one program
Limitations
- Learning effort due to the broad range of functions
- Focus often on steady-state calculation
VICUS Districts
Thermo-hydraulic simulation for planning and design
Dynamic thermo-hydraulic simulation of district heating networks – from variant studies to sizing pipes and pumps. Built on more than 20 years of research at TU Dresden.
Strengths
- Dynamic simulation with temperature travel times
- Automatic pipe sizing and pump sizing
- Soil model for cold district heating
- Import of ALKIS, DXF, PDF and GIS data
- Personal support by the development team
Limitations
- Specialised in heating and cooling networks
- No integrated economic analysis (export of results)
Why choose VICUS DISTRICTS?
Precision without complexity
Dynamic simulation and exact calculations, but with an intuitive interface that makes getting started easy.
Modern development
Regular updates, modern technologies and active development based on user feedback.
Personal support
Direct contact with developers, quick help with questions and individual training.
Fair pricing
Flexible license models that adapt to your project size. Free trial version and educational licenses.
See for yourself
Try VICUS DISTRICTS free for 30 days and compare for yourself.