Distribution network

  • Overview
  • Tools and apps
  • Related products
  • Case studies
  • News

Distribution network:  Safe, sustainable and scalable

A district energy network is extremely flexible and can be used to connect as few as 30-40 houses. This allows cities to grow an existing network as funding, planning and other opportunities become available.

Efficient operation of the district heating network requires that the entire value chain from generation, distribution and usage is designed and maintained to be optimum balance.

Danfoss’ many years of experience can help you with designing the optimal district heating network, whether you are starting from scratch or renovating an existing district energy network.

Network design

Optimal network design is key to an economically fit district energy network. Therefore we utilize the network thermo-hydraulic model to avoid over-designing and to verify capacity and impact on the whole network. This means that by installing proper control equipment you can benefit from network balancing and therefore lowering your initial investments. The control components and hydraulic model will also enable ∆T optimization which will ensure system efficiency and reduction of primary energy generation cost, as supply temperature will be optimized, and temperature and flow can be balanced in real time.

Planning the optimal fuel-mix

In heat production the utilization of various heat sources can be optimized by planning the optimal fuel-mix. District heating technology makes use of a wide variety of energy resources:

  • Boilers using conventional or renewable fuels such as biomass;
  • Heat from power generation such as a Combined Heat and Power plant;
  • Waste heat from industrial processes;
  • Energy generated from municipal waste incineration;
  • Natural heat sources such as solar, geothermal or wind. 

Responding to peak energy demand

Also when it comes to peak energy demand Danfoss can support you with expertise and production simulation to enable smart district energy production and distribution planning. This will secure maximum utilization of heat accumulation in buildings and networks.

How we can help you

Years of experience in building and maintaining district energy networks

Innovative technical solutions, optimization and performance

Product portfolio for district heating and cooling applications in networks and buildings

Consultancy and customer dedication

Experience with all types of initial energy sources

Global reach with strong local representation and know-how

Safety and reliability in cooperation

Distribution network: what are the benefits?

Tools and apps

Related products

  • if (isSmallPicture) { Brazed heat exchangers- Danfoss; } else if (isBigColumns) { Brazed heat exchangers- Danfoss } else { Brazed heat exchangers- Danfoss }
    Brazed plate heat exchangers

    The performance of the Brazed Plate Heat Exchanger (BPHE) has been proven through 30 years of constant development, ensuring unparalleled efficiency for all applications.

  • if (isSmallPicture) { Differential Pressure Controllers & Flow Controllers Limiters- Danfoss; } else if (isBigColumns) { Differential Pressure Controllers & Flow Controllers Limiters- Danfoss } else { Differential Pressure Controllers & Flow Controllers Limiters- Danfoss }
    Differential pressure controllers & flow controllers / limiters

    With Differential Pressure Controllers & Flow Controllers / Limiters you can control the flow available for each consumer as well as the differential pressure control at the substation. This allows efficient network balancing.

  • if (isSmallPicture) { MCV Family; } else if (isBigColumns) { MCV Family } else { MCV Family }
    Motorised control valves and actuators

    Motorised control valves ensure perfect control and efficiency for every building and application. Danfoss Motorised Control Valves (MCV) for district heating and cooling, HVAC and central heating systems ensure stable and accurate control of water, glycol mixtures and steam.

  • if (isSmallPicture) { Butterfly valve SBFV WW DN600_L; } else if (isBigColumns) { Butterfly valve SBFV WW DN600_L } else { Butterfly valve SBFV WW DN600_L }
    Butterfly valves

    Butterfly valves are the components that provide on/off regulation of the district heating, HVAC or water applications where limited space is available for components.

  • if (isSmallPicture) { Ball Valves Family; } else if (isBigColumns) { Ball Valves Family } else { Ball Valves Family }
    JIP® on/off ball valves for district energy applications

    Ball valves enable on/off control of the building system connection. They create the sectioning of the system that enables service, maintenance and repairs to be carried out in sections, without shutting down or emptying the whole system.

Case studies

  • if (isSmallPicture) { City of Banja Luka; } else if (isBigColumns) { City of Banja Luka } else { City of Banja Luka }
    Danfoss partners with the city of Banja Luka to decarbonize district energy

    The Challenge: Renovate 34 of the city’s largest heating substations
    The Solution: Danfoss Leanheat® Monitor enables full substation digitalization
    The Results: reduced heat consumption by 10%

  • if (isSmallPicture) { Solar heating plant reduces CO2 emissions by 15,700 tonnes annually; } else if (isBigColumns) { Solar heating plant reduces CO2 emissions by 15,700 tonnes annually } else { Solar heating plant reduces CO2 emissions by 15,700 tonnes annually }
    Solar heating plant reduces CO2 emissions by 15,700 tonnes annually

    The world’s largest solar heating plant in Silkeborg, Denmark harnesses energy to heat the homes and workplaces of 40,000 citizens. It supplies 18-20% of the annual heat consumption in the city of Silkeborg, Denmark, which has an ambitious target of CO2 neutrality in heat production by the year 2030.

  • if (isSmallPicture) { ; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }
    Heating facility reconstruction in Kopaonik mountain resort, Serbia

    Building: Hotel
    Application: Hydronic balance, control and monitoring of a heating system
    Challenge: Improve the energy efficiency of old heating system
    Solution: Danfoss installed motorized control valves, hydronic balancing valves and electronic controllers with monitoring software

  • if (isSmallPicture) { ; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }
    First ever district heating system with substations in Turkey

    600 residents in the town of Soma in Western Turkey now enjoy the comforts of a reliable and cheap heat supply from the town’s brand new district heating system. 

    In the coming years, more than 8,000 households will be joining the system that exploits the excess heat from the municipal power plant – a great improvement from the charcoal boilers of the past, and much less expensive.

News