Distribution network

  • Overview
  • Tools and apps
  • Related products
  • Case stories
  • 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) { ECL controllers- Danfoss; } else if (isBigColumns) { ECL controllers- Danfoss } else { ECL controllers- Danfoss }
    ECL Comfort controllers

    Electronic controllers are intelligent temperature regulators. They can be adapted to a variety of district heating systems, ensuring high comfort level and optimum energy utilization.

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    Gasketed plate heat exchanger service

    Our service team offers repairs, trouble shooting, upgrades, and on-site cleaning and maintenance of your plate heat exchanger solution. We always utilize genuine spare parts both for SONDEX® heat exchangers and our selection of other heat exchanger brands.

  • if (isSmallPicture) { Weather compensation- Danfoss; } else if (isBigColumns) { Weather compensation- Danfoss } else { Weather compensation- Danfoss }
    Weather compensation

    Intelligent weather compensation performed by a correctly commissioned electronic heating controller optimizes the energy efficiency of a district heating system by reducing the flow temperature in relation to the outdoor temperature, which also results in a lower return temperature. This creates energy savings of around 10-15 % and longer system life.

  • 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) { Butterfly valves- Danfoss; } else if (isBigColumns) { Butterfly valves- Danfoss } else { Butterfly valves- Danfoss }
    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.

Case stories

  • 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) { Saleska valley, Slovenia; } else if (isBigColumns) { Saleska valley, Slovenia } else { Saleska valley, Slovenia }
    Improved hydronic balancing of the district heating network in Slovenia

    The Saleska Valley district heating network is the second largest network in Slovenia, dating back to 1959. Since then, the demands have changed significantly and have challenged the hydronic balancing of the system which was optimized with new intelligent controllers Virtus.

  • 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

News