
Use of district heating equals higher energy efficiency and individual comfort
If you are part of a public utility or responsible for designing or delivering district heating, Danfoss can offer years of experience and in-depth knowledge of 4G district energy and a number of products and services that can maximize your district heating’s potential.
Beyond our substantial technical expertise, we realize that today’s district heating utilities are doing more than just supplying heating and cooling to the end-user. You are influencing and operating according to political energy targets and available technologies. Danfoss can show you how district heating utilities play a critical role in lowering CO2 emissions and optimizing energy consumption in cities.
Why district energy with Danfoss?
We believe that district energy is the most sustainable approach for mitigation of climate changes and improving energy efficiency by providing optimization solutions and optimal temperature control for both demand and supply side.
Trends in district energy sector are moving:
- From single source to multi-source
- From fossil to renewables and surplus energy
- From high temperature to low temperature district heating
Addressing main challenges in district energy
1. ∆T Optimization
Hydronically unbalanced systems result in high flow and high return temperatures. ∆T directly impacts heat production cost and efficiency, distribution network cost and efficiency. Challenge in district energy is how to maximize network and production efficiency while providing best quality of supply.
2. Optimal network design
Water & heat losses, shift of critical points in network, extensions of the network and many other factors cause high cost of production due to poor planning. Challenge in district energy is how to minimize investment cost and maximize consumption density making optimal network dimensioning and economically prioritized investments.
3. Decentralization – increased fuel complexity
Decentralization and increased fuel complexity make integration and forecasting much more difficult. Challenge in district energy is how to maximize utilization of production sources with best economy and efficiently manage complex networks while still improving utilization of various heat sources with best economy investments.
Production of heat from renewables can be prioritized and better controlled, helping the utility to be spot on (or above) the target.
4. Requirement to energy savings
Regulative for energy savings demands yearly energy savings and clear documentation proving those. Challenge in district energy is how to achieve end-user energy savings target and invest to secondary heating side to improve efficiency of the primary side. Goal is to make smart investments.
5. Peak energy demand
Peak heat load and expensive peak fuels stretch DHU resources and make heating more expensive for both DHUs & end users. It has also a high effect on CAPEX as well as OPEX. Challenge in district energy is how to lower the effect of peak energy demand on network operation costs and cover peak demand with regular heat sources while lowering investment and operating costs.
6. Legacy SCADA
Legacy SCADA systems make data integration difficult and time consuming. Challenge in district energy is how to make data integration easier and less time-consuming while lowering investment and maintenance cost.
7. Increasing focus on customer service
Challenge in district energy is how to extend customer services provided by DHU and increase customer perception of DHU as reliable, transparent and flexible partner.
8. Focus on new business areas
Challenge in district energy is how to cope with increased competition in district heating segment, develop new business areas to secure profitability and don’t miss the digitalization train.
How we can help you
Product portfolio for district heating and cooling applications in networks and buildings
Consultancy and customer dedication
Innovation, technical optimization and performance
Safety and reliability in cooperation
Global reach with strong local representation and know-how
One experienced partner for optimal plant operation, optimal network operation and delivering perfect service to your customers

District heating infographic
Related applications
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Tools and apps
Videos
Case studies
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; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }World leader in biogas reduces CO2 emissions by 50,000 t annuallyBy generating power and heat from biogas instead of fossil fuels, MEC-BioGas reduces its CO2 footprint by 50000 tpa. Danfoss VLT® drives ensure optimal uptime in the 24/7 operations.
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; } 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) {
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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. -
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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