Making Applications Future Proof: All Our Knowledge - Is Now Yours
Making Applications Future Proof: All Our Knowledge - Is Now Yours
Making Applications Future Proof: All Our Knowledge - Is Now Yours
+30
years of experience
in district heating
applications, with
more than 5 million
installations worldwide.
www.districtenergy.danfoss.com
Index
District heating application handbook
Introduction to the handbook...................3
4 District heating from the inside
6 Matching district heating to building needs
8 How to read this book
9 Application benchmarking
10 District heating application types – overview
General principles.........................................13
14 Hydronic balancing – control types
16 Hydronic balancing – control functions
18 Idling functions
21 Weather compensation
Recommended applications.................... 23
27 1. Domestic hot water applications
35 2. Indirectly and directly connected room heating applications
43 3. Supply systems to flat stations applications
53 4. Directly and indirectly connected room heating and instantaneous
domestic hot water heat exchanger applications
63 5. Directly and indirectly connected room heating and domestic
hot water charging tank applications
71 6. Directly and indirectly connected room heating and domestic
hot water cylinder applications
79 7. Two-step applications
85 8. Indirectly connected room heating and secondary side connected
domestic hot water charging tank application S.1.2
89 9. Indirectly connected room heating and secondary side connected
domestic hot water cylinder application S.1.3
113million
District heating metric tons of CO2
are saved per year in
Danfoss recommendations
Green district
District heating
District heating and cooling networks provide an ideal fit in the heart of a green
city or district. In dense urban environments where heat demand is inevitably
highest, they are the ideal means of exploiting locally available streams of
renewable energy and surplus heat supply for a useful purpose. Such systems
generate significant, provable reductions of primary energy consumption, cut
CO2 emissions and provide citizens with the standard of comfort and reliability
they expect.
> 100 o C
< 100 o C
<50-60 oC (70 o C)
Energy
Future
energy
Seasonal source
heat storage
2-way
Biomass
District
CHP Biomass
Heating
Geothermal
PV, Wave
Wind surplus CHP
Industry surplus Electricity biomass
Cold
storage
Heat Heat Heat Centralised
storage storage storage district
cooling plant
CHP waste
Steam CHP coal CHP coal Centralised
storage CHP oil CHP oil Industry surplus heat pump
Also
Coal Coal Gas, Waste CHP waste low energy
Waste Waste Oil, Coal incineration buildings
Local District Heating District Heating District Heating District Heating
Development (District Heating generation) /
Period of best available technology
2
District heating 7
… to building needs
Examples of how controls
optimize heat systems
1. Adjusting to outside temperatures
When flow temperature in the heating system reflects outside temperature, the
user will enjoy both increased comfort and lower heating bills. In one-family
homes, the expected energy saving from weather compensation is 10% on
average and can be as high as 40%.
A comprehensive
overview
When connecting a building to district heating, different options are available
for heating and preparation of domestic hot water.
All applications are illustrated and described, including how they work and what
options are available.
For the recommended applications, you will find key benefits and limitations,
benchmarking, comparison of different applications and documented values.
Danfoss-recommended application
Investment cost saving Cost of purchasing the heating system and the necessary components
System complexity
Space requirement savings Ability to free-up space in the building that can then be used for other purposes
Reduced number and duration of service visits will lead to lower service/maintenance costs
Lower temperature, pressure level and heat loss in the DH network and in the heating system
Lower hydronic load to a group of customers due to HEX solution (less heat loss and pump energy)
DHW quality, avoid bacteria growth – no storage of hot water by instantaneous production of
DHW, compliance with DHW legislation (3 liter) – only currently in Germany
Indoor climate
User comfort
Length of maintenance cycle (if maintenance cycle is long, there is long time between supply stops)
System noise
1.0
0.1 1.0 1.F 1.1
1.1 1.2
1.2
2.0
0.2
0.2 2.0 2.F 2.F 2.1 2.1 2.2
3.0
3.F
6 7 8 9
Directly and indirectly Two-step Indirectly connected Indirectly connected
connected room applications room heating and room heating and
heating and domestic secondary side secondary side
hot water cylinder connected domestic hot connected domestic
applications water charging tank hot water cylinder
application application
3.3 3.3
Danfoss-recommended application
0.1
+ =
Page 13 - 21 13
General principles
Excellent operation of district heating substations is directly related
to the design of the secondary heating system, the heat exchanger
and the control equipment on the primary DH network supply side.
Daily and seasonal variations in consumption cause the differential
pressure to fluctuate markedly as the flow varies in the primary
supply. This affects control of the supply to the substation in the
building. For this reason, specific demands must be met for control
and hydronic balancing of the substation and the heating system.
• Hydronic balancing
• Control types
• Control functions
• Weather compensation
14 Hydronic balancing
Control types
Flow controllers, differential pressure
controllers and flow limiters
The purpose of applying differential Benefits: • Good distribution of water in the
pressure (dP) controllers, flow control- • Well-defined specification for supply network
lers and flow limiters is to establish valve sizing • Delimitation of the circulating
a good hydronic balance in the DH • Simple adjustment of the water quantity in the network
network. Good hydronic balance in the substation
DH network means that every con- • Stabilization of temperature
sumer has the DH flow needed accord- control
ing to specification, with no excess DH • Lower noise level in
flow. By applying a dP controller the the system
operating conditions for the control • Prolonged lifespan of the
valve is significantly improved. control equipment
Differential pressure
controller
Differential pressure control in a DH
network with HE and DHW.
Control functions
Self-acting and electronic
temperature control
There are different options available optimally control the secondary side
when it comes to controlling the outlet temperature.
secondary side outlet temperature.
The choice of the right controlling For small systems, self-acting
method mainly depends on the controllers are typically applied.
DH network parameters. The more Electronic controllers are used
the supply temperature and the for larger systems and if weather
differential pressure varies, the more compensation is required.
sophisticated a controller is needed to
How it works
The purpose of the thermostatic controller is to maintain a constant
temperature in the HE/DHW application.
How it works
The operating principle of the proportional flow and dP controller is to establish
a proportional ratio between the secondary and primary flow. In this way, a
constant DHW temperature is obtained if the primary supply temperature and
the differential pressure are constant.
When the controller registers a flow on the secondary side, it opens the primary
valve proportional to the secondary flow. The integrated dP controller maintains
a constant differential pressure across the integrated control valve, which
enables accurate flow control.
How it works
The principle of the proportional flow controller is to establish a proportional
ratio between the secondary and primary flow. In this way, a constant DHW
temperature is obtained if the primary supply temperature and the differential
pressure is constant.
When the controller registers a flow on the secondary side, it opens the primary
valve proportional to the secondary flow. The thermostatic controller limits
the primary flow in cases where the flow contribution from the proportional
controller is too high compared to the desired temperature set point. The
dP controller maintains a constant differential pressure across the integrated
control valve, which enables accurate flow control.
Idle function
18 Hydronic balancing
Idling functions
for DHW temperature control only
The general comfort requirement when preparing DHW in e.g. one-family
houses or flats is that the desired temperature should be achieved without
unnecessary delay. To achieve this, idling functions are used to keep the supply
pipes and/or the heat exchanger warm during periods of no tapping. This is
n-a achieved by allowing a small flow to either bypass the heat exchanger or go
through the heat exchanger during no tapping periods. Depending on the
comfort level required, different idling methods can be used.
a) P
roportional controller
on - b
b) T hermostatic controller
-e
Weather
compensation
Weather is the main influencer on The weather compensator for multi-family and commercial
the heat demand of buildings. In gets its signal from an outdoor buildings prescribe weather
cold periods, the building requires temperature sensor placed on compensation. In more and more
more heating and vice versa. the shadow side of the building. countries, this also applies to one-
The sensor registers the actual family houses.
As the weather constantly temperature and, if necessary, the
changes, so does the heat load electronic controller adjusts the A heating system with electronic
required to warm up a building. heat supply (flow temperature) weather compensation can have
Compensating for weather to reflect the new conditions. additional control functions,
influence is hence a rational and The controller will also adjust the such as:
sound way to achieve energy heat supply to the radiators and • Flow and capacity limitation
savings. ensure that room temperatures • Temperature limitation
are kept constant. The user will possible for primary return
The optimum heat supply to in effect not even notice that the temperature and/or secondary
a building is when demand is weather has changed outside and flow temperature.
met and nothing is in excess. An experience the same temperature • Safety function can be
intelligent electronic controller and comfort at all times. established
for weather compensation in the • Periodic system set-back
heating system can proactively A report by COWI, a leading function
adjust the supply of heat to keep it environmental science consulting • Possibility of data
at exactly that point by detecting group, puts the estimated energy communication to e.g. a
changes in the weather conditions savings with electronic weather SCADA system or via a web
outside. On the other hand, a compensators in one-family portal
heating system without a weather houses at 10% and in some cases • Logging of energy
compensator will only react to as much as 40%. According to consumption data
the current indoor temperature, the report, one-family houses
and thus be prone to be in delay with large heat consumption Systems with weather compensa-
when changes occur outside. gain particularly fast returns tion are mainly used in radiator
This negatively affects both user on investment after installing and floor heating systems.
comfort and energy efficiency. electronic weather compensators.
Besides this, legislative regulations
Recommended applications
Recommended application design
based on main district heating system types
24 Application selection
Guide to
recommended applications
and primary alternatives
Application selection
One-family houses
Danfoss-recommended systems
Directly
Indirectly
connected
connected
room heating
Indirectly room
Instantaneous with mixing Instantaneous
Application type connected heating and
DHW loop and DHW
room heating instantaneous
application domestic application
application domestic
hot water
hot water
instantaneous
application
application
As with the Application Type matrix, the Application Selection matrix also uses
color-coding to show which solutions are recommended by Danfoss (green).
The Application Selection matrix will act as a guide when choosing the best
applications for the case at hand.
For example: The Danfoss recommended solution is application 1.1 for a single-
family house application including DHW and heating, connected to a district
heating network with supply temperature of 90°C and pressure level of PN16
Multi-family buildings
• • • • •
• • • • •
1.F 3.F
• • • • •
2.0
HE Combined HE and DHW Central supply to flat station
application 1.1
applications (for
2.F HE and DHW via flat stations))
2.1
Indirectly Directly
Indirectly Indirectly Directly
Directly connected connected room
Indirectly connected Indirectly connected connected
connected room heating with
connected two-step connected application application
room heating heating and mixing loop
room HE and application with heat with mixing
application instantaneous and domestic
heating instantaneous for supply of accumulator loop
with mixing domestic hot water
application DHW flat stations for supply of for supply of
loop hot water instantaneous
application flat stations flat stations
application application
Danfoss-recommended application
Primary alternative to Danfoss-recommended application
(•) PN10 bar only
Page 27 - 33 27
Overview
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
0.1
Instantaneous DHW application
How it works
DHW is instantaneously prepared with
a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger Areas of use:
physically separates the DHW and DH
One-family houses
water.
Multi-family houses
Commercial buildings
The application can supply an unlimited
amount of hot water at a constant
DH system types:
temperature, which is prepared close to
the tapping point when demanded and PN10 & PN16 bar T ≤ 60°C
hence reduces the risk of legionella and PN10 bar T ≤ 90°C
other bacterial growth. PN10 & PN16 bar T < 110°C
PN16 bar T ≥ 110°C
Depending on the desired DHW comfort
PN25 bar T ≥ 110°C
level and the applied DHW controller, the
heat exchanger and the supply line can be
kept either hot or cold during idle time. Typical markets:
Almost all markets
Danfoss Recommended
Application 29
Control options
Electronic control
Electronic control of DHW production can be configured with different functionalities.
Self-acting control
Self-acting control can be achieved by thermostatic, flow, differential pressure
controlling, or a combination of these control types.
In general, the electronic controller is applied for larger DHW systems, and self-acting
controllers are applied for DHW systems in one-family houses or flats.
Recommendations
0.1 0.2 0.3
Application type Instantaneous DHW charging DHW cylinder
DHW application application application
Documented value
Investment cost saving:
Application requires less equipment. In comparison to storage charging tank applications
– including storage charging tank, pump and sensor – savings are estimated at 1,000 EUR.
In multi-family buildings, savings will be higher. Reference [2].
Service/maintenance savings:
Lower system maintenance cost. In comparison to storage charging tank and cylinder
applications, maintenance time is estimated to be 2 hours less. Savings are estimated at
120 EUR/year (60 EUR/hour). In multi-family buildings, savings will be higher. Reference [2].
Application limitations
• No DHW supply when DH supply is interrupted
0.2
DHW charging application
Application limitations
• igher system price compared to an application with instantaneous DHW
H
preparation due to cost of storage charging tank, pump and sensor
• Limited capacity
• Higher risk of bacterial growth compared to an application with instantaneous DHW
preparation
• Large space requirement
• Large heat loss from the installation
• Not suitable for low-temperature systems
• Regular maintenance and cleaning required
• High primary return temperature compared to an application with instantaneous
DHW preparation, but lower than cylinder application
1. 0.3 0.3 not recommended by Danfoss
Application 33
Application limitations
• igher system price compared to an application with instantaneous DHW
H
preparation due to cost of cylinder and sensor
• Ineffective charging
• Limited capacity
• Higher risk of bacterial growth compared to an application with instantaneous DHW
preparation
• Large space requirement
• Large heat loss from the installation
• Not suitable for low-temperature systems
• Regular maintenance and cleaning required
• High primary return temperature compared to an application with instantaneous
DHW preparation and storage charging tank application
Page 35 - 41 35
Overview
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
How it works
The heat exchanger physically separates
the DH network and the HE circuit. Areas of use:
One-family houses
The application minimizes the risk of
Multi-family houses
contamination of DH water plus the
Commercial buildings
risks and consequences of leakage
in apartments. The secondary flow
DH system types:
temperature is adapted to the heat
demand of the building. PN10 & PN16 bar T ≤ 60°C
PN10 bar T ≤ 90°C
The application is typically electronically PN10 & PN16 bar T < 110°C
controlled, but can be self-acting PN16 bar T ≥ 110°C
controlled in one-family houses. For
PN25 bar T ≥ 110°C
comfort and energy-saving reasons,
electronic control with weather
compensation is recommended in floor Typical markets:
heating and radiator applications. All markets except Denmark and
Netherlands
Danfoss Recommended
Application 37
Control options
Electronic control
An electronic controller is mainly used in radiator and floor heating systems. The
electronic controller typically includes a weather compensator. The controller’s primary
function is the weather compensation of the supply temperature, periodic set-back (day/
night) and pump control. Typical additional functions are max. and min. limitation of the
supply and return temperature.
Self-acting control
Self-acting control can be achieved by thermostatic, flow or differential pressure
controlling, or a combination of these control types. A self-acting control solution is
mainly used in small decentralized floor heating or AC systems.
1.0 - b
Example of electronic controlling
Recommendations
1.0 2.0 3.0
Indirectly connected Directly connected Directly connected
Application type room heating room heating applica- room heating
application tion with mixing loop application
Investment cost saving • •• •••
Installation time saving •• •• •••
Space requirement saving •• ••• •••
Service/maintenance saving •• •• •••
Energy efficiency performance ••• ••• •
System operation safety ••• • •
User comfort ••• ••• •
Danfoss Recommended
Application 39
Documented value
For the district heating network operator
Energy-efficiency performance:
Reduced heat loss. If electronic controllers with weather compensation are installed,
every degree that the supply or return temperature can be lowered yields a saving of
about 0.9% of the net heat loss in the DH network. Accumulated yearly savings of up to
6% have been documented in a DH system. Reference [1].
Energy-efficiency performance:
Energy savings. With electronic weather compensation of the heating system, energy
savings of 11-15% or in some cases even higher have been documented for one-family
houses. Reference [1].
User comfort:
Increased comfort due to lower surface temperature on radiators and constant room
temperatures. Reference [1].
Application limitations
Self-acting control
• No periodic set back
• High system heat loss when flow temperature is higher than actual demand
• No additional functions as pump control
2. 2.0 Primary alternative to application 1.0
2.0
Application limitations
• H water is not separated from the house system
D
• If the primary water is not well treated, there is a risk of corrosion in the house system
• Risk of impurities from the house system to the DH water
• Potential risk of huge leakage and DH water draining from the house system
• If the maintenance of the secondary side is not clearly defined, this system is not
recommended
• No clear definition of the capacity limitation when no flow controller is installed
Self-acting control
• No periodic set back
• High system heat loss when flow temperature is higher than actual demand
• No additional functions as pump control
2. 3.0 Application not recommended
3.0
41
Application limitations
• eturn temperature limitation is only possible through self-acting return
R
temperature limiter
• No possibility of changing flow temperatures for the building
• If the DH water is not well treated, there is a risk of corrosion in the building system
• Risk of impurities from the building system to the DH water
• Potential of huge leakage in the building
• If the maintenance of the secondary side is not clearly defined, this system is not
recommended
• No clear definition of the capacity limitation when no flow controller is installed
• No periodic set back
• High system heat loss, when flow temperature is higher than actual demand
Page 43 - 50 43
Overview
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Documented value
Investment cost savings:
Faster sales of flats. Decentralized system with flat station can save up to 735 EUR/flat
through faster sales of flats compared to other heating solutions.
Assumptions:
22 weeks to finish a 5 floor building compared to 10 weeks, if it is possible to dry and
finish floor by floor (not waiting for the whole building to be finished). 70% of investment
is covered by loan, 10% interest, 900 EUR/m2 investment cost, 100 flats, average size of
flat 70 m2.
Energy-efficiency performance:
Reduced heat loss. Heat loss from circulation is 33% less in a decentralized system with flat
station compared to 5-pipe system.
Assumptions:
22 flats, pipe lengths of 242 m, heat loss coefficient 0.2 W/mK, supply temperatures 60°C, return
line 5-pipe 55°C, return line flat station 30°C, surrounding temperature 20°C. Reference [5].
Energy-efficiency performance:
Energy savings. Installation of a decentralized system with flat stations instead of a traditional
system in a renovation project showed annual energy savings of 30% per flat. Reference [6].
3. 1.F 1.F connected application
Indirectly
for supply of flat stations
Indirectly connected
application for supply
of flat stations
1.F - a
Control options
Electronic control
The electronic controller typically
includes a weather compensator. The
controller’s primary function is the
weather compensation of the supply
temperature and pump control. Typical
additional functions are max. and min.
limitation of the supply and return
temperature.
Low return temperature and low heat loss from the central system and the piping
Less space needed for installation compared to central applications with heat
accumulator
Application limitations
• S lower dynamic response to high DHW peak loads from the stations compared to heat
• Slower dynamic response to high DHW peak loads from the stations compared to heat
accumulator
• Iaccumulator
f combined with local energy sources such as thermal solar heating, a heat
• If combined with
accumulator mustlocal
be added
energytosources
the system
such as thermal solar heating, a heat
accumulator must be added to the system
3. 2.F Application
Indirectly connected
2.F application
with heat accumulator for supply
of flat stations
Zagreb, Croatia
– Multi-family and commercial buildings with district heating inside.
Danfoss Recommended
Application 49
Superior supply response time in case of a sudden DHW peak load (compared to
heat exchanger system and directly connected system)
Application limitations
• F or large-volume installations with more than 30-50 flats, and where only DH supply
is used, an application without heat accumulator is recommended.
• I mmediate high supply of hot water to flat stations not possible when heat
accumulator is empty.
• igher system price compared to a pure heat exchanger system, due to extra heat
H
accumulator, pump and sensor
3. 3.F Primary alternative to application 1.F and 2.F 50
3.F
Directly connected application
with mixing loop for supply of
flat stations
Application limitations
• Application limitations
Slower dynamic response to high DHW peak loads from the flat stations compared to
heat accumulator
• Slower dynamic response to high DHW peak loads from the flat stations compared to
• heatwater
DH accumulator
is not separated from the house system
• DH
If water
the is not isseparated
DH water from thethere
not well treated, houseis system
a risk of corrosion in the house system
• If theofDH
Risk water is not
impurities fromwell
thetreated there isto
house system a risk
the of
DHcorrosion
water in the house system
• Risk of impurities
Potential fromleakage
risk of huge the house
andsystem to the
DH water DH water
draining from the house system
• IPotential
f used in risk of huge leakage
a combination and DH
with local water
energy draining
sources from
such the house
as solar system
thermal energy, a
system with a heat accumulator is to be preferred.
• If a combination with local energy sources such as solar thermal energy, a system
with a heat accumulator is to be preferred.
saves 30%
on their heating bills
Electricity savings amount
to €3,220 a year after
the removal of the circula-
tion pumps in each of the
three appartment blocks.
Sonderborg, Denmark.
Project example
The result has mainly been achieved by installing a two-pipe system with Danfoss flat
stations for district heating. In the original one-pipe system, installed in 1964, water was
heated in central substations placed in a boiler room under the apartment block. Today,
water is heated locally in each of the flat stations and residents can see exactly how
much energy they use.
Overview
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
How it works
The heat exchanger physically separates Depending on the desired DHW comfort
the DH network and the HE circuit. The level and the applied DHW controller, the Areas of use:
application minimizes the risk of contami- heat exchanger and the supply line can be
One-family houses
nation of DH water as well as the risks and kept either hot or cold during idle time.
Multi-family houses
consequences of leakage in apartments.
Commercial buildings
The secondary flow temperature is adapted The heating system is typically controlled
to the heat demand of the building. by an electronic weather compensator.
DH system types:
The DHW system can be either electroni-
DHW is instantaneously prepared with a cally or self-acting controlled. For small PN10 & PN16 bar T ≤ 60°C
heat exchanger. The heat exchanger physi- systems, it is typically self-acting con- PN10 bar T ≤ 90°C
cally separates the DHW and DH water. trolled. PN10 & PN16 bar T < 110°C
PN16 bar T ≥ 110°C
The application can supply an unlimited
PN25 bar T ≥ 110°C
amount of hot water at a constant
temperature, which is prepared close
to the tapping point when demanded, Typical markets:
reducing the risk of legionella and other Almost all markets
bacterial growth.
Danfoss Recommended
Application 55
Control options
Electronic control
An electronic controller is mainly used in radiator and floor heating systems. The
electronic controller typically includes a weather compensator. The controller’s primary
function is the weather compensation of the supply temperature, periodic set-back (day/
night) and pump control. Typical additional functions are max. and min. limitation of the
supply and return temperature.
Self-acting control
For small DHW systems, self-acting control can be achieved by thermostatic, flow,
differential pressure controlling, or a combination of these control types.
For HE, self-acting control can be achieved by thermostatic, flow, differential pressure
controlling, or a combination of these control types.
1.1 - a
1.1 - b
Minimized
risk of contamination of DH supply water, due to separation from the
building system by a heat exchanger
Suitable
for use with weather compensation control, if electronic controller is
applied
Recommendations
Instantaneous
Domestic hot water domestic hot water Domestic hot water Domestic hot water
charging application cylinder application
application
Documented value
Heating (HE) circuit
Energy-efficiency performance:
Reduced heat loss. If electronic controllers with weather compensation are installed,
every degree that the supply or return temperature can be lowered yields a saving of
about 0.9% of the net heat loss in the DH network. Accumulated yearly savings of up to
6% have been documented in a DH system. Reference [1].
Energy-efficiency performance:
Energy savings. With electronic weather compensation of the heating system, energy
savings of 11-15% or in some cases even higher have been documented for one-family
houses. Reference [1].
User comfort:
Increased comfort due to lower surface temperature on radiators and constant room
temperatures. Reference [1].
Service/maintenance savings:
Lower system maintenance cost. In comparison to storage charging tank and cylinder
applications, maintenance time is estimated at 2 hours less. Savings are estimated at
120 EUR/year (60 EUR/hour). In multi-family buildings, savings will be higher. Reference [2].
Application limitation
Self-acting control
• No periodic set back
• High system heat loss when flow temperature is higher than actual demand
• No additional functions as pump control
2.1
Directly connected room heating
with mixing loop and domestic hot
water instantaneous application
Directly connected heating application
with mixing loop for radiator, floor
heating and AC systems.
How it works
The HE system is directly connected to The application can supply unlimited
the DH network with a mixing loop. amounts of hot water at a constant Areas of use:
Directly connected applications increase temperature. This is prepared close to the
the risk of contamination of DH water and tapping point when demanded, reducing One-family houses
risk huge leakage in buildings. the risk of legionella and other bacterial Multi-family houses
growth. Commercial buildings
The secondary flow temperature is
adapted to the heat demand of the build- Depending on the desired DHW comfort DH system types:
ing by means of a mixing loop. To avoid level and the applied DHW controller, the PN10 bar T ≤ 60°C
‘back-flow’, a check valve is mounted in heat exchanger and the supply line can be
PN10 bar T ≤ 90°C
the mixing loop. In addition, a differential kept either hot or cold during idle time.
pressure controller is applied for limita-
tion of the differential pressure across the The heating system is typically controlled Typical markets:
thermostatic radiator valves. by an electronic weather compensator. Denmark, Netherlands and in
The DHW system can be either electroni- secondary systems
DHW is instantaneously prepared with a cally or self-acting controlled. For small
heat exchanger. The heat exchanger physi- systems, it is typically self-acting con-
cally separates the DHW and DH water. trolled.
Application limitations
Self-acting control
• No periodic set back
• High system heat loss when flow temperature is higher than actual demand
• No additional functions as pump control
3.1
Directly connected HE
and instantaneous DHW
application
How it works
The HE system is directly connected to water. The application can supply unlim-
the DH network. Directly connected ited amounts of hot water at constant Areas of use:
systems increase the risk of contamina- temperature. This is prepared close to the
One-family houses
tion of DH water and risk huge leakage in tapping point when demanded, reducing
buildings. the risk of legionella and other bacterial
DH system types:
growth.
The HE temperature is flow-controlled PN10 bar T ≤ 60°C
by means of radiator thermostat, return Depending on the desired DHW comfort PN10 bar T ≤ 90°C
temperature limiter or a room thermostat level and the applied DHW controller,
controlling a zone valve. In addition, a the heat exchanger and the supply line Typical markets:
differential pressure controller is needed can be kept either hot or cold during idle
Denmark, Netherlands and in
for limitation of the differential pressure time.
secondary systems
across the thermostats on the radiators.
The HE system can only be self-acting
DHW is instantaneously prepared with controlled. The DHW system is typically
a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger self-acting, but can also be electronically
physically separates the DHW and DH controlled.
Application limitations
Heating (HE) circuit
• Return temperature limitation is only possible through self-acting return temperature limiter
• No possibility of changing flow temperatures for the building
• If the DH water is not well treated, there is a risk of corrosion in the building system
• Risk of impurities from the building system to the DH water
• Potential of huge leakage in the building
• If the maintenance of the secondary side is not clearly defined, this system is not recommended
• No clear definition of capacity limitation, where no flow controller is installed
• No periodic set back
• High system heat loss when flow temperature is higher than actual demand
Overview
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
How it works
The heat exchanger physically separates circulated through the heat exchanger.
the DH network and the HE circuit. The In the event of DH interruption for short Areas of use:
application minimizes the risk of contami- time, the storage charging tank can
nation of DH water as well as the risks and supply the remaining capacity of DHW. Multi-family houses
consequences of leakage in apartments. However, with a large-volume tank, the Commercial buildings
risk of bacterial growth is increased.
The secondary flow temperature is DH system types:
adapted to the heat demand of the build- Local maintenance regulations should be PN10 & PN16 bar T < 110°C
ing. DHW is heated in a heat exchanger observed concerning cleaning schedules.
PN16 bar T ≥ 110°C
and let into a storage charging tank. Once The system is typically controlled by an
the DHW capacity has been used, it needs electronic weather compensator. PN25 bar T ≥ 110°C
time to be charged again. To maintain
the desired temperature during idling, Typical markets:
the water in the storage charging tank is Central Europe
Indirectly connected HE with DHW charging application 65
London, United Kingdom – Multi-family with heating and instantaneous DHW production.
Application limitations
Directly connected HE
with mixing loop and
DHW charging application
How it works
The HE system is directly connected to Once the DHW capacity has been used, it
the DH network with a mixing loop. needs time to be charged again. Areas of use:
Multi-family houses
Directly connected applications increase To maintain the desired temperature dur- Commercial buildings
the risk of contamination of DH water and ing idling, the water in the storage charg-
risk huge leakage in buildings. ing tank is circulated through the heat
DH system types:
exchanger. In the event of DH interrup-
The secondary flow temperature is tion for a short time, the storage charging PN10 bar T ≤ 90°C
adapted to the heat demand of the build- tank can supply the remaining capacity of
ing by means of a mixing loop. To avoid DHW. However, with a large-volume tank, Typical markets:
‘back-flow’, a check valve is mounted in the risk of bacterial growth is increased. Denmark
the mixing loop. In addition, a differential Local maintenance regulations should be
pressure controller is applied for limita- observed concerning cleaning schedules.
tion of the differential pressure across the
thermostatic radiator valves. The system is typically controlled by an
electronic weather compensator.
DHW is heated in a heat exchanger and
let into a storage charging tank.
Directly connected HEwith mixing loop and
DHW charging application 67
Application limitations
Heating (HE) circuit
• DH water is not separated from the house system
• If the primary water is not well treated, there is a risk of corrosion in the house system
• Risk of impurities from the house system to the DH water
• Potential risk of huge leakage and DH water draining from the house system
• If the maintenance of the secondary side is not clearly defined, this system is not
recommended
• No clear definition of capacity limitation where no flow controller is installed
How it works
The HE system is directly connected to time to be charged again. To maintain
the DH network. Directly connected the desired temperature during idling, Areas of use:
applications increase the risk of the water in the storage charging tank is Multi-family houses
contamination of DH water and risk huge circulated through the heat exchanger. Commercial buildings
leakage in buildings.
In the event of DH interruption for a DH system types:
The HE temperature is flow-controlled by short time, the storage charging tank can
PN10 bar T ≤ 90°C
means of a radiator thermostat, a return supply the remaining capacity of DHW.
temperature limiter or a room thermostat
controlling a zone valve. In addition, a However, with a large-volume tank, the Typical markets:
differential pressure controller is applied risk of bacterial growth is increased. Denmark
for limitation of the differential pressure Local maintenance regulations should be
across the thermostatic radiator valves. observed concerning cleaning schedules.
DHW is heated in a heat exchanger and The HE system can only be self-acting
let into a storage charging tank. Once the controlled. The DHW system is typically
DHW capacity has been used, it needs electronically controlled.
Directly connected HE and DHW charging application 69
Tuzla, Bosnia & Hercegovina – Multi-family buildings with district heating inside.
Application limitations
Heating (HE) circuit
• Return temperature limitation is only possible through self-acting return
temperature limiter
• No possibility of changing flow temperatures for the building
• If the DH water is not well treated, there is a risk of corrosion in the building system
• Risk of impurities from the building system to the DH water
• Potential of huge leakage in the building
• If the maintenance of the secondary side is not clearly defined, this system is not
recommended
• No clear definition of capacity limitation, where no flow controller is installed
• No periodic set back
• High system heat loss, when flow temperature is higher than actual demand
Overview
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Indirectly connected
HE and DHW cylinder
application
How it works
The heat exchanger physically separates with a large-volume cylinder, the risk
the DH network and the HE circuit. of bacterial growth is increased. Local Areas of use:
The application minimizes the risk of maintenance regulations should be One-family houses
contamination of DH water as well as observed concerning cleaning schedules. Multi-family houses
the risks and consequences of leakage Commercial buildings
in apartments. The secondary flow This application is typically electronically
temperature is adapted to the heat controlled, but can be self-acting DH system types:
demand of the building. controlled in one-family houses. The DHW
PN10 bar T ≤ 90°C
system can be either electronically or self-
DHW is heated in a cylinder by an internal acting controlled. For small systems, it is PN10 & PN16 bar T < 110°C
heating coil. Once the DHW typically self-acting controlled. PN16 bar T ≥ 110°C
capacity has been used, it needs time to
be charged again. Typical markets:
Germany, Italy and Austria
In the event of DH interruption for a
short time, the cylinder can supply the
remaining capacity of DHW. However,
Indirectly connected HE and DHW cylinder application 73
Application limitations
Self-acting control
• No periodic set back
• High system heat loss when flow temperature is higher than actual demand
• No additional functions as pump control
Directly connected HE
with mixing loop and DHW
cylinder application
How it works
The HE system is directly connected to capacity has been used, it needs time
the DH network with a mixing loop. to be charged again. In the event of DH Areas of use:
Directly connected applications increase interruption for a short time, the cylin- One-family houses
the risk of contamination of DH water and der can supply the remaining capacity Multi-family houses
risk huge leakage in buildings. of DHW. However, with a large-volume Commercial buildings
cylinder, the risk of bacterial growth is
The secondary flow temperature is increased. Local maintenance regulations DH system types:
adapted to the heat demand of the build- should be observed concerning cleaning
PN10 bar T ≤ 90°C
ing by means of a mixing loop. To avoid schedules.
‘back-flow’, a check valve is mounted in
the mixing loop. In addition, a differential This application is typically electroni- Typical markets:
pressure controller is applied for limita- cally controlled, but can be self-acting Denmark and in secondary systems
tion of the differential pressure across the controlled in one-family houses. The DHW
thermostatic radiator valves. system can be either electronically or self-
acting controlled for small systems.
DHW is heated in a cylinder by an internal
heating coil. Once the DHW
Directly connected HE with mixing loop and
DHW cylinder application 75
Bucharest, Romania – Multi-family and commercial buildings supplied with district heating.
Application limitations
Self-acting control
• No periodic set back
• High system heat loss when flow temperature is higher than actual demand
• No additional functions as pump control
3.3
Directly connected
HE and DHW cylinder
application
How it works
The HE system is directly connected to capacity has been used, it needs time to
the DH network. Directly connected ap- be charged again. Areas of use:
plications increase the risk of contamina- One-family houses
tion of DH water and risk huge leakage in In the event of DH interruption for a short
buildings. time, the cylinder can supply the remain- DH system types:
ing capacity of DHW. However, with a
PN10 bar T ≤ 90°C
The HE temperature is flow-controlled by large-volume cylinder, the risk of bacterial
means of a radiator thermostat, a return growth is increased. Local maintenance
temperature limiter or a room thermostat regulations should be observed concern- Typical markets:
controlling a zone valve. In addition, a ing cleaning schedules. Denmark and in secondary systems
differential pressure controller is needed
for limitation of the differential pressure The HE system can only be self-acting
across the thermostats on the radiators. controlled. The DHW system is typically
self-acting but can also be electronically
DHW is heated in a cylinder by an internal controlled.
heating coil. Once the DHW
Directly connected HE and DHW cylinder application 77
Application limitations
Heating (HE) circuit
• Return temperature limitation is only possible through self-acting return
temperature limiter
• No possibility of changing flow temperatures for the building
• If the DH water is not well treated, there is a risk of corrosion in the building system
• Risk of impurities from the building system to the DH water
• Potential of huge leakage in the building
• If the maintenance of the secondary side is not clearly defined, this system is not
recommended
• No clear definition of capacity limitation, where no flow controller is installed
• No periodic set back
• High system heat loss when flow temperature is higher than actual demand
Overview
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
7. Two-step applications
The difference between two-step applications and the
previous applications is that in domestic hot water
preparation, the cold water is pre-heated by return water
from the room heating before it is fully heated by the district
heating supply water. Further on, the domestic hot water can
be prepared instantaneously or charged into a tank.
How it works
The heat exchanger physically separates The DHW volume is limited compared to
the DH network and the HE circuit. The storage charging tank or cylinder applica- Areas of use:
application minimizes the risk of contami- tions, thus reducing the risk of bacterial
nation of DH water as well as the risks and growth. Multi-family houses
consequences of leakage in apartments. Commercial buildings
The secondary flow temperature is adapt- 2-step systems are only beneficial during
ed to the heat demand of the building. the winter time, where DCW can be pre- DH system types:
heated to a level of 35-40°C. The second PN10 & PN16 bar T < 110°C
The DHW is prepared with a two-step part of the heat exchanger will therefore
PN16 bar T ≥ 110°C
heat exchanger. At the first part of the only need to increase the DHW tempera-
heat exchanger, the return flow from the ture from this level to the desired DHW PN25 bar T ≥ 110°C
HE heat exchanger is used to preheat the temperature.
DCW and further cool the return tempera- Typical markets:
ture. The system is electronically controlled. Sweden, Finland, Central and
For comfort and energy-saving reasons Eastern Europe
At the second part, a forward DH flow is electronic control with weather compen-
used to add the amount of heat needed sation is recommended in floor heating
to achieve the desired DHW temperature. and radiator applications.
To ensure a stable DHW temperature at
part load, it is important to equip the sys-
tem with a differential pressure controller.
Indirectly connected two-step HE and
instantaneous DHW application 81
Changchun, China – Multi-family and commercial buildings with district heating inside.
Application limitations
• n average, 2-step systems result in annual mean return temperatures 1-2°C lower
O
than 1-step parallel systems, which implies that it may be more important to
optimize the building heating system than choosing between 1-step systems and
the more expensive 2-step systems. Reference [6] .
• Typical design return temperature from heating should be >= 50°C, but for DHW
safety reasons not higher than 65°C
• Typical capacity between HE and DHW should be in the range Q(DHW) : Q(HE) in the
range 1:1 to 1:3, but also dependent on the temperatures
• High system price
Indirectly connected
two-step HE and DHW
charging application
How it works
The heat exchanger physically separates In the event of DH interruption for a
the DH network and the HE circuit. The short time, the storage charging tank can Areas of use:
application minimizes the risk of contami- supply the remaining capacity of DHW.
nation of DH water as well as the risks and However, with a large-volume tank, the Multi-family houses
consequences of leakage in apartments. risk of bacterial growth is increased. Local Commercial buildings
The secondary flow temperature is adapt- maintenance regulations should be ob-
ed to the heat demand of the building. served concerning cleaning schedules. DH system types:
PN10 & PN16 bar T < 110°C
The DHW is prepared with a two-step heat For a stable DHW temperature at part
PN16 bar T ≥ 110°C
exchanger. At the first part of the heat ex- load, it is important to equip the system
changer, the return flow from the HE heat with a differential pressure controller. PN25 bar T ≥ 110°C
exchanger is used to preheat the DCW 2-step systems are only beneficial during
and further cool the return temperature. the winter time where DCW can be pre- Typical markets:
heated to a level of 35-40°C. The second Central Europe
At the second part, a forward DH flow is part of the heat exchanger will therefore
used to add the amount of heat only need to increase the DHW tempera-
needed to achieve the desired DHW tem- ture from this level to the desired DHW
perature in the storage charging tank. temperature.
Once the DHW capacity has been used, it The system is electronically controlled.
needs time to be charged again. To main- For comfort and energy-saving reasons,
tain desired temperature during idling, electronic control with weather compen-
the water in the storage charging tank is sation is recommended in floor heating
circulated through the heat exchanger. and radiator applications.
Indirectly connected two-step HE and
DHW charging application 83
Hamburg, Germany – Multi-family and commercial buildings with heating and instantaneous domestic hot water production.
Application limitations
• T he annual mean return temperature of a two-step system with storage charging
tank will be even lower than without a storage charging tank; however, the cost of
storage charging tank, pump, sensor and general service costs may outweigh the
benefits of the reduced heat loss – this implies that it may be more important to
optimize the heating system than choosing between 1-step systems and the more
expensive 2-step systems
• Typical design return temperature from heating should be >= 50°C, but for safety
reasons not higher than 65°C
• Typical capacity between heating and DHW, Q(DHW) : Q(HE), should be in the
range 1:1 to 1:3, but it also depends on the temperatures
• High system price
Overview
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Indirectly connected
S.1.2
HE and secondary
side connected DHW
charging application
How it works
The heat exchanger physically separates However, with a large-volume tank, the
the DH network and the HE circuit. The risk of bacterial growth is increased. Local Areas of use:
application minimizes the risk of contami- maintenance regulations should be ob- Multi-family houses
nation of DH water as well as the risks and served concerning cleaning schedules. Commercial buildings
consequences of leakage in apartments.
The secondary flow temperature is adapt- A hot water priority can be achieved with DH system types:
ed to the heat demand of the building. different control options, for example
PN16 bar T ≥ 110°C
pumps or an on/off 3-way valve.
However, a minimum flow temperature PN25 bar T ≥ 110°C
for the storage charging system is applied This system is generally used where the
as well. tariff allocation depends on the capacity Typical markets:
needed for the system. Germany, Italy and Austria
The DHW is heated in the secondary
circuit with a heat exchanger and let into This system can only be electronically
a storage charging tank. Once the DHW controlled. For comfort and energy-
capacity has been used, it needs time to saving reasons, electronic control with
be charged again. To maintain desired weather compensation is recommended
temperature during idling, the water in in floor heating and radiator applications.
the storage charging tank is circulated
through the heat exchanger. This application is typically applied where
safety thermostats are required. It can
In the event of DH interruption for a also be used where double separation
short time, the storage charging tank can between DH water and DHW is required.
supply the remaining capacity of DHW.
Indirectly connected HE and secondary side
connected DHW charging application 87
Munich, Germany – Commercial building with heating and domestic hot water production.
Application limitations
• High system price when not applying priority between DHW and HE
Overview
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Indirectly connected
S.1.3
HE and secondary
side connected DHW
cylinder application
How it works
The heat exchanger physically separates regulations should be observed concern-
the DH network and the HE circuit. The ing cleaning schedules. A hot water prior- Areas of use:
application minimizes the risk of contami- ity can be achieved with different control
Multi-family houses
nation of DH water as well as the risks options, for example pumps or an on/off
Commercial buildings
and consequences of leakage in apart- 3-way valve.
ments. The secondary flow temperature is
adapted to the heat demand of the build- This system is generally used where the DH system types:
ing. But a minimum flow temperature for tariff allocation depends on the capacity PN16 bar T ≥ 110°C
the cylinder is applied as well. needed for the system. PN25 bar T ≥ 110°C
DHW is heated in the secondary circuit This system can only be electronically
Typical markets:
in a cylinder by an internal heating coil. controlled. For comfort and energy-
Once the DHW capacity has been used, saving reasons, electronic control with Germany, Italy and Austria
it needs time to be charged again. In the weather compensation is recommended
event of DH interruption for short a time, in floor heating and radiator applications.
the cylinder can supply the remaining It is typically applied where safety ther-
capacity of DHW. However, with a large- mostats are required. This application can
volume cylinder, the risk of bacterial also be used where double separation
growth is increased. Local maintenance between DH water and DHW is required.
Indirectly connected HE and secondary side
connected DHW cylinder application 91
Application limitations
• High system price, when not applying priority between DHW and HE
Appendix
Appendix 97
In addition to the residential market for DH, recreation, health, industry and other
specialist sectors can all benefit from DH solutions.
A difference between the residential sector and other sectors can be the DHW draw-off
profile and the required capacity for DHW compared to HE capacity. In the event that the
DHW peak load is high compared to the HE load, an application in combination with the
storage charging system can be worth considering.
In general, if the DHW draw-off profile is based on stochastic events, as is the case for
the residential sector where there is no systematic DHW tapping peak for a group of
consumers, then the application to be recommended is as stated in the System Selection
overviews.
In the case of systematic DHW tappings, e.g. for sport facilities where high peak loads
occur due to simultaneous tapping of DHW, combinations with storage charging
systems can be recommended. In this way, DH capacity is significantly reduced
compared to the instantaneous heat exchanger principle. This has a positive influence
on the dimensioning of the DH branch pipes and thus DH distribution heat losses.
Examples of sectors where combinations with storage charging tank systems are
recommended include:
Abbreviations
(In non-prioritized order or other subheader)
DHW Domestic hot water SCADA System control and data acquisition system
Application symbols
ECL Comfort 210 / 310 Pressure-relieved solenoid valve
Motorized control valve with built-in pressure controller Radiator (heat ermitter)
Differential pressure control valve or flow control valve DHW cylinder tank
Motorized control valve with pressure and flow control DHW charging tank
Solenoid valve
99 Appendix
Reference list
[1] Report made by consulting firm COWI A/S. Energibesparelser ved vejrkomensering. March, 2010, Denmark.
[2] Danfoss A/S pricelist. April, 2012, Denmark.
[3] Jan Eric Thorsen and Halldor Kristjansson. Cost Considerations on Storage Tank versus Heat Exchanger for Hot Water Preparation. In proceedings of:
10th International Symposium District Heating and Cooling , Hanover, Germany, 3rd-5th of September, 2006.
[4] DVGW regulations, Germany, Arbeitsblatt W551, April 2004
[5] Jan Eric Thorsen. Analysis on flat station concept. In proceedings of: 12th International Symposium District Heating and Cooling, Tallin, Estonia,
5th-7th of September, 2010.
[6] Case story: Danflat leads to huge energy savings in housing association. http://heating.danfoss.com/xxNewsx/e29ab581-336d-400c-983d-
f92e9b987c72.html
[7] Håkon Waltetun, ZW Energiteknik AB. Teknisk och ekonomisk jämförelse mellan 1- och 2-stegskopplade fjärrvärmecentraler, Svenska
Fjärrvärmeföreningens Service AB, 2002, ISSN 1402-5191
Controllers
[8] Herman Boysen. Differential pressure controllers as a tool for optimization of heating systems. Published in: Euro Heat & Power 1/2003.
[9] Herman Boysen. Hydronic balance in a district cooling system. Published in: Hot & Cool, International magazine on district heating and cooling,
4/2003.
[10] Herman Boysen and Jan Eric Thorsen. Hydronic balance in a district heating system. Published in: Euro Heat & Power 4/2007.
Substations
[11] Herman Boysen. District heating house substations. Published in: News from DBDH, 2/1999.
[12] Herman Boysen. Selection of DH house stations. Published in: Euro Heat & Power 3/2004.
[13] Herman Boysen and Jan Eric Thorsen. Control concepts for district heating compact stations. Published in: Euro Heat & Power 4/2004.
[14] Jan Eric Thorsen. Dynamic simulation of DH House stations. Published in: Euro Heat & Power 6/2003.
Systems
[15] Halldor Kristjansson and Benny Bøhem. Optimum Design of Distribution and service Pipes. In proceedings of: 10th International Symposium
District Heating and Cooling , Hanover, Germany, 3rd-5th of September, 2006.
[16] Herman Boysen and Jan Eric Thorsen. How to avoid pressure oscillations in district heating systems. Published in: Euro Heat & Power 2/2003.
Flat stations
[21] Halldor Kristjansson. Distribution Systems in Apartment Buildings. In proceedings of: 11th International Symposium on Automation and of District
Heating Systems, Reykjavik, Iceland, 31st of August to 2nd of September, 2008.
[22] Halldor Kristjansson. Controls Providing Flexibility for the Consumer Increase Comfort and Save Energy. Published in: Hot & Cool, International
magazine on district heating and cooling, 1/2008.
[23] Jan Eric Thorsen, Henning Christensen and Herman Boysen. Trend for heating system renovation. Danfoss A/S Technical paper. http://heating.
danfoss.com/PCMPDF/VFHED102_trend_for_renovation.pdf
www.districtenergy.danfoss.com
VG.HZ.A2.02