Abstract
The term ‘generation’ is commonly used when one technology supersedes previous versions, for instance 5G is the 5th generation mobile network. It is a new global wireless standard after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. The same terminology has been used to describe the evolution of heat networks. Heat networks have been developed over many years and have evolved from first generation high temperature networks to those that operate at ambient temperature often classified as 5G. The term G implies that the latter technology has superseded the previous one, which was true up to when 3G heat networks superseded 2G. However, we have since had 4th and 5th generations and whilst these systems can be beneficial over previous generations, 3rd and 4th generations still have their place in decarbonising heat. The term ‘generation’
could therefore be misleading in this context and this paper explores other options for terminology when referencing these technologies. The paper proposes the use of type rather than generation. It then describes the differences between types and how they might be applied.
could therefore be misleading in this context and this paper explores other options for terminology when referencing these technologies. The paper proposes the use of type rather than generation. It then describes the differences between types and how they might be applied.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 2022 |
| Event | CIBSE Technical Symposium 2022 - Duration: 23 Apr 2022 → … |
Conference
| Conference | CIBSE Technical Symposium 2022 |
|---|---|
| Period | 23/04/22 → … |
Keywords
- District energy, district heating and cooling, heat networks, terminology, generation, decarbonisation
Rights Retention Statement
- This work was funded by Innovate UK [105840]. For the purpose of open access, the author has applied a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) licence to any Author Accepted Manuscript version arising.
