Article
Optimise district heating system performance with Grundfos iGRID
At Grundfos, we develop intelligent, efficient, reliable solutions that are designed to optimise system performance in district heating networks and grids. One of our key solutions is Grundfos iGRID. Watch the film to discover how it uses the concept of intellgeint lowtemperature zones and real-time data to reduce temperatures, heat loss and integrate renewable energy sources.
Grundfos GRID: A game-changing solution for district heating
District heating has the potential to be the backbone of the green energy transition because it can utilise energy from unstable renewable energy sources like wind and sun. But to realise this potential, temperatures in district heating grids need to be lowered.
One of our most advanced solutions designed for this is Grundfos iGRID. Based on the concept of low-temperature zones and demand-driven distribution and supply, iGRID optimises and controls temperatures, making it possible to deliver the right pressure in the grid or zone.
By dividing district heating grids into smaller zones with similar building characteristics, it's no longer the building with the highest temperature demand that determines how the entire grid should be operated. Coupled with demand-driven distribution, you get a solution that can deliver on demands without increasing residual pressure.
The low-temperature zones enabled by iGRID also make it possible to utilise more renewable energy. In fact, iGRID has the potential to release free energy for more than 1.3 million European households and significantly reduce carbon emissions in district heating.
Reduce temperatures and heat loss
Optimising the supply temperature can also substantially reduce heat loss. By using decentralised mixing loops, also called iGRID temperature zones, you can ensure that the temperature is reduced to the lowest possible level in the zone and that pressure is only added when needed. In many cases, it's possible to reduce the heat loss by up to 30%.
The iGRID Temperature Optimiser is a controller with a software package that optimises the supply temperature according to the actual heat demand and weather conditions - either for the grid or a specific zone.
Every minute, data is delivered to the iGRID Temperature Optimiser and to the SCADA system. Based on this data, you have the opportunity to adjust the pump speed and therefore optimise the heat distribution according to the real-time demand.
By lowering temperatures and adding pressure where needed, heat losses will be significantly reduced and pipes and critical components will be less prone to thermal stress, reducing leakages and increasing the overall lifetime of the system.
Real-time monitoring and useful data
We're also focused on optimising networks through a digital approach with connectivity and data. By seamlessly integrating connectivity into our intelligent pumps and components, we unlock a new realm of valuable data interaction and key insights.
Grundfos iGRID enables real-time monitoring and data on critical points in the grid, including temperature, flow, pressure and delivered heat, offering a perfect overview for potential optimisation areas.
To reduce the heat loss in the grid as much as possible, for example, temperatures are optimised based on real-time data from iGRID measure points. The data is used for the iGRID Temperature Zone that utilises a mixing loop and an iGRID Temperature Optimiser to lower the supply temperature to meet exactly the required level.
This also means you get useful data that's available on smart devices, online and through SCADA systems - and iGRID also results in automatic balancing of the zone based on realtime data instead of manually changing setpoints based on theoretic hydraulic models.
Read articles and use cases on how district heating can improve grid efficiency, security and flexibility while integrating renewable energy and reducing costs.
Read more about district heating and cooling
We’ve put together a series of articles that expand on our expertise within district heating and cooling. Click below to start learning more.
Explore our intelligent and efficient pump solutions that help optimise district heating system performance today – and tomorrow.
Want more information about district heating?
For more information about how we can help you with district heating, contact one of our specialists today.