Why choose a modular boiler for heat networks?
For the efficiency of heat networks, CIBSE Guidance AM12 – Combined Heat and Power for Buildings refers to a minimum of 30°C ∆T – the differential temperature between flow and return – for district heating system design. By adhering to a higher differential temperature, flow rates and pipe sizes can be kept small and a low water temperature can be maintained even at low load conditions, for more efficient plant operation. The CIBSE/ADE CP1 Heat Networks: Code of Practice for the UK also refers to the use of lower return temperatures for best practice heat network design.
What are the benefits of modular boilers in heat networks?
Our Wessex ModuMax mk3 modular boilers can operate at up to 40°C ∆T – exceeding the CIBSE minimum requirements, meaning it provides maximised condensing operation for increased efficiency and cost savings. This makes them particularly suitable for energy centres and heat networks. Furthermore, installation costs can be reduced, as supporting water pipes and pumps with modular boilers and systems with wide differential temperatures are smaller.
Compact size for packaged plant rooms
The compact, vertically stackable modules allow maximum flexibility and maximise space for the dwelling by reducing the size of the plant room. It delivers an output of 762kW whilst taking up less than 1m² of floor space.
What are the benefits of modular boilers in heat networks?
Our Wessex ModuMax mk3 modular boilers can operate at up to 40°C ∆T – exceeding the CIBSE minimum requirements, meaning it provides maximised condensing operation for increased efficiency and cost savings. This makes them particularly suitable for energy centres and heat networks. Furthermore, installation costs can be reduced, as supporting water pipes and pumps with modular boilers and systems with wide differential temperatures are smaller.
Compact size for packaged plant rooms
The compact, vertically stackable modules allow maximum flexibility and maximise space for the dwelling by reducing the size of the plant room. It delivers an output of 762kW whilst taking up less than 1m² of floor space.
How can I make a district heating system more efficient?
To ensure an efficient heat network, it is important not to oversize the plant. This is where modular boilers come into play. They are designed as an alternative to large single boilers and each module can be a separate boiler installed alongside another in a horizontal arrangement or a vertical stack of boiler modules.
Each boiler module has a turndown ratio which effectively influences the fuel consumption and output for more efficient heating. We have already explained how this works in our section how modular boilers load match in heat networks in combination with a CHP. Modular boilers can operate at a lower modulation which lowers energy and fuel usage. Instead of one large boiler operating, you could have several boiler modules working at more energy-efficient load conditions, effectively saving money.
High operating temperature to compensate for heat losses in large heating systems
As large heating systems such as district heating networks suffer from heat losses due to larger areas they cover, a higher operating temperature can help compensate for the losses. Higher temperature systems with wide differential temperature also offer better condensing performance for higher efficiency. Our Wessex ModuMax mk3 modular boiler has recently been updated to be able to operate at 90°C maximum flow temperature to cater to those advantages.
Low emissions
Aside from CO2 emissions which have an impact on global warming, NOx emissions which play a major role in the production of smog, have recently been in the news. Low NOx emissions especially in crowded city centres are another requirement our Wessex ModuMax mk3 boiler fulfils with emissions of less than 40mg/kWh.
Modular and expandable solution
A modular boiler installation can benefit from a phased approach to purchase and installation. All equipment does not need to be purchased and installed right away but can be split over budget years to ease the financial burden, which means an expansion of the system can easily be carried out at a later point.
Another possibility is to fit everything at the start but only use the boilers that are needed, as more residents move into dwellings and energy demand increases, they boilers can be switched on incrementally, helping to control costs and energy use.
Long-term commitment
District heating networks are a long-term investment due to their intensive planning process. Hamworthy is committed to help and support you with integrating our boilers into your district heating project to make it a success. BIM models, that are built to the highest standards, for the planning stage are also available. But as a manufacturer, we’re also making sure boiler spare parts and service support of our products is available in the long-term. That’s why our Wessex ModuMax mk3 boilers are backed up by a 10-year warranty.
In a nutshell - 9 reasons why our Wessex ModuMax mk3 boiler is an excellent choice for heat networks
Our Wessex ModuMax mk3 boiler can deliver what is needed for a district heating system, meeting the Government’s energy efficiency targets. That means: provide the right amount of heating at the right time. Accurate load matching makes sure there is little to no wastage of energy.