District heating
District heating (also known as heat networks and campus heating) is a system that transports heat to residential and commercial buildings through insulated pipes. This heat can come from a variety of sources, like combined heat and power, energy for waste, geothermal, solar thermal, and waste heat recovery. Alfa Laval’s energy efficient plate heat exchangers can support all district heating processes, reducing carbon emissions and demand for primary energy at the same time.
Choose the right district heating partner
- Our product range covers everything from heat generation in production facilities, to heating the water in your shower.
- Alfa Laval heat exchangers are AHRI certified, so you can trust that the thermal performance of our products is as good as we say it is.
- With millions of heat exchangers in operation at district hearing plants worldwide and service centers in all markets, Alfa Laval has a proven record.
District heating industry trends
Today’s industry trends are focused around decarbonization targets, energy supply security, and affordability. This includes everything from boosting energy efficiency and heat reuse in the heating sector and lowering grid temperatures, to creating a more flexible supply chain with local production popping up alongside the central models. Alfa Laval has the industry knowledge to bring trusted solutions to the table, accelerating the energy transition in one of the most impactful areas.
Alfa Laval Solutions in District heating
In the district heating industry Alfa Laval is supplying heat transfer solutions for energy generation and for substations connecting buildings to the distribution network. Low return temperature increases the efficiency of the total district heating system and should always be the main target for any grid operator.
Production
Generating energy from any source
Alfa Laval heat exchangers can be used to extract heat from the source, whether you are working with renewable energy, data center heat recovery, or even green hydrogen.
Turning excess heat into an affordable heat source
Heat pumps can be used in all kinds of settings, reusing energy for both heating and cooling purposes. Alfa Laval heat exchangers are used in heat pumps of all sizes, supporting energy efficient, reliable heat transfer at even the lowest temperatures.
Distribution
Grids
In some locations heat exchangers are used as pressure breakers. This can be in extensive networks where height and altitude restrictions occur, or, most commonly, in substations between two networks and from distribution networks to buildings.
Demand
End User
Heat exchangers are needed here for two main reasons. Firstly, they are used to isolate and protect the individual buildings from the higher pressures and temperatures available at distribution level. Secondly, they limit the damage that can be caused by a leak in the heating system.
Products
Gasketed plate-and-frame heat exchangers
- Flexible solutions that can be adapted to the duty ensuring highest thermal efficiency
- Compact designs save space and are easy to service and maintain
- Solutions to reduce fouling, stress and corrosion for maximum uptime
Brazed plate heat exchangers
- Lightweight copper-brazed construction with compact footprint
- Greater thermal efficiency than comparable shell-and-tubes
- Flexible options to fit a variety of applications with all different types of media/fluids
- Ideal for natural and low-GWP refrigerants
Fusion bonded AlfaNova heat exchangers
- True 100% stainless steel construction
- Strong corrosion resistance with aggressive media
- Prevents metal contamination in drinking water and other hygienic applications
- High thermal efficiency and compact footprint
Five generations of district heating
Alfa Laval has been working with the district energy sector for over 70 years, developing new heat exchangers that fit the industry’s specific requirements. Since the first generation of district heating, heat exchangers have been at the heart of their applications. Today, as we look towards generation five, the need for reliable, efficient heat transfer is stronger than ever. Alongside consultants, system builders, energy companies, and our partners, we are driving the transition to a new energy landscape. Contact your local Alfa Laval office to find out how.
The generations of district heating – as temperatures decrease, system efficiency increases.
Making efficiency last for decades
The condition of your heat exchanger affects safety, product quality, and energy costs. Failures lead to downtime and production losses. But, with regular and proactive maintenance, performance is preserved and operations are kept trouble-free and predictable.
We have the expertise to help you, whether you experience a problem today, wish to prevent future issues, or want to solve the problem yourself with our online troubleshooter.
