Smart District Heating with Grundfos iGRID Increasing Network Efficiency and Capacity
Overview of the Project
OPEC Gdynia, a regional operator of a district heating network located in northernPoland, collaborated with Grundfos Polska in order to increase efficiency of their heating network.
The aim of the project was to decrease heat loss, to decrease operating temperature and to increase capacity of the network, as well as prepare the network for integration of new sustainable sources of heat. As part of a two-year pilot program in Karwiny district of Gdynia, a Temperature Zone of the iGRID solution was installed on a portion of the existing district heating network by Grundfos Polska.
The Challenge
OPEC Gdynia needed to modernise their network due to growing pressure to increase efficiency and reduce carbon emission.
The primary aims of the company were:
- Decrease heat losses in the network
- Reduce supply and return temperatures
- Increase efficiency of the network
- Increase capacity of the network
- Better detection of possible leakages
- Reduce energy and operational costs
- Preparation of the network to integrate lower-temperature and sustainable heat
- sources
- Provide comfort heating conditions for consumers.
Grundfos iGRID Solution
Grundfos collaborated with OPEC Gdynia on the design of an intelligent iGRID Temperature Zone suitable for the existing district heating network.
The solution was based on two skids with the use of controllers, pumps, and several sensors deployed in the local substation. iGRID system constantly analyses network status and automatically adjusts temperature and pressure depending on demand using real-time data and intelligent algorithms.
The data received by the system is also transferred to OPEC's SCADA system giving more insight into the network status.
Annual Energy Savings
The project is estimated to save around 984 GJ of energy annually in the pilot area of the network.
This energy saving helps OPEC qualify for White Certificate and thus adds another financial motivation to increase energy efficiency.
Future-Ready District Heating Network
The other important benefit of decreasing the temperature of operation of a district heating network is the possibility of future incorporation of low-temperature heat sources, like renewable energy and waste heat.
Thus, the iGRID technology is suitable for district heating networks that want to evolve into future-proof heating systems.
Key Benefits at a Glance
Grundfos iGRID Solutions via Alantech
Alantech supplies Grundfos pumps and intelligent system solutions for industrial sectors.
Intelligent pumping and controls are vital in improving the efficiency, reliability, and operational performance of the system in district heating and hydronic systems.
Want to Increase Efficiency of Your Heating System?
If you want to modernize a district heating system, minimize heat losses, optimize pumps or use low-grade heat sources, Alantech can assist you in evaluating appropriate Grundfos solutions.
Talk to Alantech to learn about Grundfos iGRID energy efficient pumping solutions.
