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?
Related products
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if (isSmallPicture) {
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if (isSmallPicture) {
; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }Butterfly valvesButterfly valves are the components that provide on/off regulation of the district heating, HVAC or water applications where limited space is available for components.
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if (isSmallPicture) {
; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }Brazed heat exchangersThe performance and efficiency of the Brazed Plate Heat Exchanger (BPHE) have been proven through 30 years of constant development to ensuring high efficiency
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if (isSmallPicture) {
; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }Differential pressure controllers & flow controllers / limitersWith 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.
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if (isSmallPicture) {
; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }SubstationsSubstations are house heating systems or units in apartments that handle heat transfer from district heating pipes into your home to get hot water and heat on demand.
Tools and apps
Case studies
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if (isSmallPicture) {
; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }Solar heating plant reduces CO2 emissions by 15,700 tonnes annuallyThe 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.
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if (isSmallPicture) {
; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }Heating facility reconstruction in Kopaonik mountain resort, SerbiaBuilding: 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 -
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; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }District energy as the heating and cooling solution in Teknopark Istanbul, TurkeyBuilding: Office
Application: Production of heating, cooling and domestic hot water
Challenge: Design and construct customized district energy solutions for all buildings on the park
Solution: Danfoss designed and constructed 3 pre-assembled DSE substations containing control valves for the heating, cooling and domestic hot water, heat meters, self-acting controllers and electronic controllers connected to a central Building Management System. -
if (isSmallPicture) {
; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }Renovation of a district heating network, Tuzla, Bosnia and HerzegovinaSince 2011, the local District Heating Company (“Centralno grijanje” d.d. Tuzla) has carried out a major renovation of the city’s comprehensive district heating network, providing reliability of supplies, improved comfort as well as energy and cost savings. Based on thorough analysis and a long-term strategic approach, the 30 year old system is gradually transformed into a modern and smart energy system.
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if (isSmallPicture) {
; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }First ever district heating system with substations in Turkey600 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.
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if (isSmallPicture) {
; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }District heating network in HafenCity, Hamburg, GermanyThe district heating supply in the new Hamburg city quarter "HafenCity" is a costeffective and sustainable solution amongst other supplied by Danfoss.