Frequently Asked Questions

Unlike steady-state calculations that only look at a single point in time, VICUS DISTRICTS simulates the entire year in hourly resolution (8760 time steps). Temperatures, mass flows and pressures are calculated over time.

This enables:

• • Realistic heat loss calculation considering ground temperature
• • Analysis of peak loads and simultaneity effects
• • Optimization of network temperatures throughout the year

Yes, VICUS DISTRICTS was developed with a focus on intuitive operation. The modern user interface enables a quick start, even without extensive prior knowledge in network calculations.

Additionally, we offer:

• • Free kickoff meetings for new users
• • Video tutorials and comprehensive documentation
• • Personal support for questions

VICUS DISTRICTS supports various import formats:

• • GIS data: Shapefile, GeoJSON for network geometries
• • Load profiles: CSV, Excel for time-resolved heat demands
• • Pipe databases: Manufacturer data can be added
• • Background maps: OpenStreetMap integration

Yes, VICUS DISTRICTS contains a comprehensive pipe database with products from leading manufacturers such as:

• • REHAU
• • Logstor
• • Isoplus
• • Other manufacturers

The database can be extended with custom pipe types at any time.

Heat loss calculation in VICUS DISTRICTS considers:

• • Dynamic ground model with seasonal temperature variation
• • Pipe insulation and material parameters
• • Installation depth and soil type
• • Supply and return temperatures over time

The results show heat losses for every hour of the year.

Yes, VICUS DISTRICTS fully considers elevation differences:

• • Geodetic pressure differences are considered in hydraulics
• • Elevation data can be imported from GIS data
• • 3D visualization of the network possible

VICUS DISTRICTS focuses on technical planning and simulation. For economic analysis we offer:

• • Export of all relevant data (bill of materials, heat losses, etc.)
• • Compatibility with common economic analysis tools
• • Structured result reports for funding applications

Yes, fittings and valves are considered:

• • Pressure losses from bends, T-pieces and branches
• • Valves and control fittings
• • Consumer substations

VICUS DISTRICTS provides all technical data needed for a feasibility study:

• • Detailed network design with pipe lengths and dimensions
• • Heat loss calculation
• • Bill of materials for cost estimation
• • Load profiles and supply concept

Economic calculations themselves are done in external tools.

Yes, VICUS DISTRICTS offers extensive visualization and export options:

• • 2D and 3D network display
• • Color-coded results display (temperatures, pressures, etc.)
• • Export as image (PNG, PDF)
• • Detailed reports in PDF format

After network planning and simulation you can:

• • Bill of materials: Export of all pipe lengths, dimensions and components to Excel
• • Pressure loss calculation: Automatic calculation for each branch with visualization of critical paths
• • Detailed result reports for each network section

VICUS DISTRICTS offers several options for load profile creation:

• • Standard load profiles: VDI, SIA and other standards
• • Import: Custom load profiles as CSV or Excel
• • Scaling: Adjustment to annual consumption or peak load
• • Simultaneity: Automatic consideration for many consumers

Yes, VICUS DISTRICTS supports various renewable heat sources:

• • Ground source probes: Simulation of source temperatures throughout the year
• • Solar thermal: Integration of collector fields
• • Waste heat: Integration of industrial waste heat sources
• • Heat pumps: Bidirectional networks for low-temperature heating

Yes, VICUS DISTRICTS supports complex network structures:

• • Multiple feed points/energy plants
• • Ring structures and meshed networks
• • Cascaded networks with different temperature levels
• • Distributed generation with decentralized sources