The way we design, operate, and regulate our heat networks is changing fast. In this report, we look ahead to the future and give you tips on how to prepare now for success later.

We have been working to digitalise heat networks for more than a decade, we recently sat down as a team and asked ourselves a bigger question; what if?  What if you could solve problems on heat networks before the customers knew there was a problem? What if you could control HIUs from your desk? Or better yet, what if HIU configuration was automated as part of heat network optimisation? What if heat networks worked in concert with the electricity grid, EVs, waste streams, data centres and other sources of surplus heat to help decarbonise not just heat but nearly all uses of energy in the UK?

Download our report here to read a full breakdown of five core areas we expect to change and adapt to in the coming years.

In this article, we aim to clarify the difference between two types of heat networks: 4th generation and ambient loop. For both, we’ll consider how they are affected by the Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations, and how monitoring these types of heat networks can improve performance.

What is a 4th generation heat network?

Most heat networks in the UK have a very obvious heat generator, like boilers or large-scale heat pumps in the basement of a building or in a plant room on the site. Hot water is then pumped around the network, and each dwelling typically contains a Heat Interface Unit (or HIU) which transfers heat energy from the water arriving from the network (for 4th generation heat networks this is usually 55°C to 60°C) to the water or heating system in the home.  The lower temperature was introduced as a viable, and more cost-effective, transition away from fossil fuels to future heat supplies from local renewable and secondary sources such as industrial processes or underground transportation, and low-carbon fuels such as large biomass boilers or solar energy.

What is an ambient loop heat network?

An ambient temperature heat network works slightly differently. The system is essentially a two-stage heating design. A plant room heats water to around 15°C to 30°C (perhaps using waste heat from a data centre, or a river source heat pump, or some other source of low-grade heat), and then an individual heat pump in each home tops up this heat to a usable temperature for space heating or domestic hot water. So you’ve got a centralised heat generator as well as individual heat pumps in each dwelling, which makes use of thermal energy coming from the central plant.

At a glance:

Learn more

We have written a white paper that you can download via the form below, and recently held a webinar to further delve into these differences also available to view below.

Where does Guru Systems fit in?

Guru Systems technology can be used to monitor ambient loop networks and 4th generation heat networks. Read more about our Guru Hub 2 and Guru Hub 3 Core, or speak to our sales team.

As well as the need to capture data to meet the requirements of the Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations, in our experience, unmonitored heat networks do not perform well. Poorly performing networks cost more to run, and these costs invariably end up being passed on to residents.

Our heat network performance management platform Guru Pinpoint can be used to help ensure heat networks continue to perform as designed – whether it’s a 4th generation or an ambient loop heat network. Monitoring heat network performance is the easiest way to spot problems and inefficiencies when they first arise.

If you are interested in learning more, we have the following two CPDs available: ‘Capturing data from ambient loop networks’ and ‘Capturing and interpreting heat network performance data for designers and developers.’

Jack White and Georgina Orso hosted a webinar discussing the white paper recently published by Guru Systems. The subject matter detailed ambient networks, shared ground loop arrays, and heat network regulations.

The Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations require heat networks to fit heat meters, measure consumption in individual homes, and then bill the customer living in that home based on the amount of heat they use.

However, a grey area exists around what exactly is meant by the term ‘heat network’.  Designers and developers of heat networks are left unsure of whether they are required to fit meters and comply with the Regulations.

The webinar:

• Explains the different types of network. (Heat networks with only centralised generation of heat, Ambient loop networks, Shared ground loop arrays)
• Explores how the Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations relate to each type of network
• Outlines the changing regulatory landscape in heat networks. For example Ofgem, and how monitoring of heat networks might be affected
• Discusses the benefits of monitoring heat networks for improved performance and resident satisfaction

This webinar was presented live on Tuesday 13th December, 11:00 – 11:45GMT .

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our team at sales@gurusystems.com.

If you wish to download a copy of the white paper: ‘Do ambient temperature heat networks or shared ground loop arrays have to comply with the Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations?’ you can fill in the form below.