Thermal Integration offer comprehensive HIU Network anaylsys and optimisation services.
Single Day Survey
The most basic of our packages is based on a single day on site investigating various aspects of the heat network and HIU operation, as well as one day off-site reporting.
This package is usually the best to start with as most problems on a network can be identified by looking thoroughly at two or three units. The survey includes:
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Initial load calculations. Before proceeding it is important to understand the total load requirements for a network. We use software tools to provide a rapid examination of loads, in order to comment of equipment sizing as the survey is conducted.
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Temperature survey of flow and return temperatures. This is to identify:
- Variations in flow temperature resulting from poor plantroom control
- Boiler cycling
- Elavated return temperatures
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Bypass survey. This is to examine the methods used to maintain keep-warm flow around a network. Items include:
- Identification of thermal bypasses and settings
- Identification of pressure bypasses and settings
- Positions of flushing bypasses
- Bypasses used to maintain minimum pump flow
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Pipework survey. This is to confirm if pipe sizes are compliant with guidance.
- Pipe sizing
- Use of insulation
- Report on use of additional valves (e.g. commissioning sets)
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HIU survey. Point examined include:
- Report on make, model, and known performance from independent BESA tests
- Basic checks - clean strainers, basic operation
- Performance study using clamp-on thermometers to record:
- Supply temperatures
- Correct pipework oprientation
- Insulation
- Return temperature performance during domestic hot water
- Measurement of differential pressure and report against HIUs known limits and requirements
- Correct function of components
- Heat metering
- Correct orientation and positioning
- Reading accuracy
- Remote connectivity (AMR)
- Prepay functionality
- Insulation
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Storage survey. This is a similar study to that performed on HIUs, but in relation to hot water storage systems that are far more common on older networks. Storage systems vary a great deal so it is impossible to list all the points that require a look at, however the following are common items (in addition):
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Report on coil surface areas
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Report on use of immersion heater
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Discharge pipe arrangements and safety issues
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Central heating survey. This is to understand the condition of balancing around central heating systems and includes:
- Confirmation of return temperature performance from all radiators
- Examination of control performance (TRVs & rom thermostats)
- Examination on use of towell rails
- Water quality (samples taken for analysis if required)
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Plantroom & intake room survey(s)
- Examine pump control to DP sensors
- Examine use of buffer storage
- Examine general hydraulics layout and compliance with guidance
- Examine operation of heat sources
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Report on findings and reccommendations.
Where it is identified that further data is required in order to confirm a certain aspect of operation, this will be detailed including the type of monitoring that is required and what the aim of the examination is. For example, where the survey identified that high DP is a problem it is prudent to monitor DP for 48 hours to confirm how it varies with load and whether HIUs are letting by in the middle of the night when DP is highest.