МОДЕРНИЗАЦИЯ СИСТЕМЫ ТЕПЛОСНАБЖЕНИЯ ПУТЕМ ПЕРЕХОДА ОТ ЦЕНТРАЛЬНЫХ ТЕПЛОВЫХ ПУНКТОВ (ЦТП) К ИНДИВИДУАЛЬНЫМ ТЕПЛОВЫМ ПУНКТАМ (ИТП)

In the context of striving to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy losses, modernization of heat supply systems becomes an important task for cities and large settlements. Traditionally, such systems use centralized heating plants (CHU), most of which were commissioned 30-40 years ago [1].  CHUs distribute heat to apartment buildings and businesses through centralized networks. However, today, the transition from CHU to individual heating points (IHU) is becoming more and more popular, which allows not only to optimize the consumption of resources, but also to improve the quality of heat supply.

The basis of IHU is a plate heat exchanger, which can be either collapsible or non-collapsible (soldered). The heat transfer coefficient in such heat exchangers is 3-4 times higher compared to shell-and-tube heat exchangers, so the heat transfer surface area of plate heat exchangers is 3-4 times smaller [2]. Due to this they have low metal consumption, compact dimensions and can be installed even in limited space [3]. Unlike shell and tube heat exchangers, they are also easier to maintain.

Technical aspects of transition to IHU

Modernization of heat supply with the introduction of an IHU involves a technically complex process. First of all, the current infrastructure is analyzed and the optimal parameters of the future system are determined. Next, the types of heat exchangers suitable for specific objects are selected. Also, an important component is the installation of an automated control system, which allows you to regulate the heat supply based on data about weather conditions and the needs of the building. Automation helps to avoid overheating and reduce heating costs, making IHUs more energy efficient than traditional district heating plants.

The advantages of IHUs include:

1) Individual heating stations are localized devices that are installed directly in the building and regulate the flow of heat energy. This provides a number of advantages both for consumers and for the whole heat supply system.

2) In traditional centralized systems, heat is lost during transportation through pipelines. By switching to IHUs, losses are minimized, as heat is produced and regulated directly in the building, rather than being transmitted from afar.

3) There is also an increase in energy efficiency: IHUs allow flexible regulation of heat supply depending on external conditions (outdoor temperature) and user needs. With the help of automation, a comfortable temperature can be maintained, which reduces excessive energy consumption. IHU users can individually adjust the heating parameters and use hot water without waiting for it to be supplied. This improves comfort levels in residential and commercial buildings.

4) Improved energy efficiency leads to lower heating costs. Reduced heat losses and precise regulation reduce space heating costs, which is especially important for apartment buildings and properties with large areas.

5) Switching to an IHU reduces the load on the central heating network, which prolongs its service life and reduces the frequency of repairs.

Despite the obvious advantages of IHUs, there are a number of challenges associated with the transition to IHUs. Modernization of heat supply requires significant financial investments, especially in terms of design and installation of equipment. For many organizations and residential complexes, such costs become an obstacle to the introduction of IHUs. In contrast to CHU, where a specialized company is responsible for operation, in the case of IHUs there is an increased need for maintenance at the level of each building, which requires additional resources. Also, the introduction of such heat exchangers requires clear regulatory framework, but in some regions the regulatory framework in this area is underdeveloped, which complicates the harmonization and implementation of the technology.

Economic and environmental efficiency

The economic effect of the transition to IHUs is manifested in the reduction of heating costs. In traditional systems with central heating points (CHU) heat losses are about 20-30% due to long transportation through pipes and inefficient thermal insulation. Implementation of IHU allows to reduce heat losses, as heat is produced and regulated directly at the building level.

Savings on utility bills thanks to automated temperature regulation. IHUs are equipped with automated control systems that adjust the heat supply depending on weather conditions and room temperature. In the cold season the automation increases the heat supply, and on warm days it reduces it, which prevents excessive consumption of heat energy [4].

Saving on hot water supply. IHUs make it possible to heat water as needed and provide precise temperature control, which reduces the cost of heating water. Users can get hot water faster and at a stable temperature, which reduces costs.

Reduced operating costs for heating network maintenance. The introduction of IHUs reduces the load on central heating networks, and reduces the need for frequent repairs and reconstruction of outdated pipelines. This reduces operating costs and reduces the cost of repair work.

Reduction of total energy consumption and tariff reduction. By using heat economically and reducing heat losses, overall energy consumption is reduced, which can lead to lower utility tariffs if such measures are implemented at the level of an entire district or city.

From an environmental point of view, IHUs contribute to the reduction of pollutant emissions. Conventional heating systems tend to lead to excessive resource consumption and higher carbon dioxide emissions, whereas IHUs ensure that resources are used sparingly, thus contributing to environmental improvements.

Experience in countries such as Denmark, Finland and Latvia also confirm that switching to individual heating units (IHUs) improves the energy efficiency of heating systems. In Riga, for example, within the framework of the “Riga Heat Supply Renewal Project”, 185 district heating substations were closed by 2001 and 3,008 new automated IHUs were installed. This allowed to reduce heat losses by 32.2 % [5].

In conclusion, we note that the introduction of individual heat supply units is an important step towards modernization of heat supply systems. In the long term, the development of IHUs can contribute to the creation of energy efficient and environmentally friendly cities, where each unit of heat consumed will be used with maximum efficiency. However, a successful transition requires joint efforts of authorities, businesses and residents. State support in the form of subsidies and tax benefits for the introduction of IHUs can become an important incentive for active transition to individual heat supply units.