Linking frequent smart heat meter data with facts
about the pipes can fundamentally change the
way district heating utilities plan, operate and
maintain their distribution network. As a result,
improving asset management and reducing
heat losses in the network hold a huge savings
potential.
As renewables integration in district heating increases
so does the importance of an optimised infrastructure
for moving renewable and surplus energy to where it is
needed instead of primarily generating heat by burning off
fossil fuel. Consequently, whereas utilities have previously
focused on using data to improve the energy performance
of individual buildings, tapping into the potential in an
improved infrastructure requires them to look closer into the
distribution network connecting the utility and the
end users.
ZOOMING INTO THE NETWORK
The distribution network presents particularly two
opportunities for significant cost savings: reducing heat loss
and improving asset management. Both call for more than
general calculations based on theory, assumptions or even
airborne thermography, which delivers only a snapshot of
the network and no insight into its actual condition and
development. There is a need for more frequent fact-based
knowledge.
Utilities already have a flow, temperature and, in some cases,
a pressure sensor in each building connected to the district
heating network: smart heat meters transmitting data by the
hour 365 days a year. However, data alone – albeit accurate
and frequent – is not enough either. Data only becomes
really valuable when you use it properly.
Together with our customers, Kamstrup has created a tool
connecting information from the meters with facts about
the utility’s pipe network. Its calculations are therefore
highly specific and relevant as the basis for infrastructure
optimisation, both in terms of reducing losses and prioritising
investments in network maintenance and capacity.
ADVANCED MAPPING OF HEAT LOSS
Network losses are perhaps the biggest cost driver for
district heating utilities so the potential in eliminating
them is enormous. Combining temperature and flow
measurements from energy meters with information about
the length and size of the pipes allows them to calculate
temperatures in all parts of the network and accurately map
their heat loss.
If a building's forward temperature is lower than expected,
this can indicate poor performing pipe insulation, a defect
service pipe or incorrect meter installation causing lost
revenue. If higher than expected, it can denote a leakage
or perhaps an unknown or misadjusted bypass creating
circulation that keeps the network temperature up. Whatever
the reason, knowing the actual state of the network is the
prerequisite for being able to act.
NETWORK LOAD MONITORING
As more and more buildings are connected to the district
heating network, utilities must constantly consider its
capacity. Because building and expanding infrastructure is
economically heavy, logistically comprehensive and timeconsuming,
there is great value in maximising utilisation of
the current capacity. This enables utilities to prioritise and
postpone infrastructure investments. Also, knowing their
exact capacity helps them minimise the risk of oversizing
new pipes.
By linking energy meter flow measurements in a specific
area with detailed pipe characteristics, utilities get a precise
picture of the load throughout the network. This verifies
whether there is a match between a utility’s assumptions
and reality plus it provides important knowledge for future
expansion of its supply area – and facts are easier to convert
into Euros than gut feelings.