Heat Efficiency in Municipalities

A complex analysis of heat supply systems from the standpoint of reliability, efficiency and environmental friendliness has been carried out. It has been revealed that in heat supply systems the weakest link in terms of reliability is heat networks. The main number of accidents accompanied by interruption of thermal energy supply occurs on them. The cost and availability are the basis for the efficiency of the primary energy resources used, including: the energy efficiency of technologies, their conversion into useful types of energy, as well as the amount of losses in the transfer of thermal energy to heat receivers. Environmental friendliness is determined by the volume of harmful emissions during the production and transmission of the heat conductor. Methods for improving the indicated properties of heat supply systems are proposed, which is especially important for small, medium and large cities, where boiler houses are the basis of heat supply systems. It is shown that the inclusion of cogeneration sources in the composition of heat supply systems contributes to the growth of their energy efficiency. Peak sources of thermal energy, located in close proximity to heat sinks, can reduce heat losses and increase the reliability of heat networks. With the increase in the availability of electricity, prerequisites arise for the use of electric boilers as peak sources of thermal energy. The proposed changes should be included in the Heat Supply Schemes developed by municipal authorities, which should be supported by the expert community in order to increase the investment attractiveness of the thermal power industry.