Heat networks are long-term assets which require detailed planning, development, design and implementation; good design ensures projects provide their key deliverables across the required project lifetime.
We have designed and supervised the installation of thousands of kilometres of heat networks across the UK, covering rural and city-wide schemes. We’ve worked with most of the industry’s suppliers and contractors and have a unique perspective on what makes a network installation practical and effective.
We have seen our network designs being implemented with networks spanning railways, tunnels beneath roads, crossing the UK’s busiest roundabout, crossing rivers and connecting thousands of buildings.
Ready to move forward?
Heat network route development
Well-developed utility and heat network routes ensure schemes are buildable and cost-effective.
We work in all mapping formats to develop proven, buildable networks. We collate C2 resources, map utilities data, and assess potential conflicts to optimise design and delivery.
We undertake HAZID and route risk assessments, identifying hazards early to inform safe, efficient construction and operation.
Dynamic hydraulic heat network models
The conditions in a heat network are always changing, so to design the right system the modelling should be dynamic to assess the varying temperatures, flows and energy demands.
We run models for hydraulic network design. Minimising pipe sizes, reducing heat losses and capital costs. We’ve developed digital techniques and time basis analysis to simulate residential networks to allow us to size development networks.
Sustainable Energy lead the industry in application and knowledge to optimise network sizing.
Buried heat network design
The best design approach is the one where the level of design is appropriate for the project stage and the environment; detailed 3D long sections for congested and complex sections, and more simplified cross sections and routes where risk is low.
We provide 3D network design, long sections, trench sections, pipe specifications and have designed low and high-temperature polymer networks with both single and twin pipe arrangements.
We design steel networks, carry out stress and expansion analysis, foam pad drawings, details, building entries, complex designs using our network models to simulate heat losses and insulation levels.
We’ve designed overground pipe installations, pipe bridges, directional drilling and sleaving under sections and have developed schemes with future-proofing for Section 358.
Our buried heat network design specifications are kept in line with innovations, best practice and have been put into practice and used to drive quality and compliance.
Mining the earth for warmth: South Seaham’s garden village heat network
South Seaham Garden Village is a planned development of 1,500 homes, of which half are intended as affordable housing, alongside a primary school, health hub, and innovation centre in County Durham. Our work spanned feasibility through to full commercialisation and procurement support, securing £4.4m in HNIP funding.
