The HIU Revolution

This article has been inspired by the recent publication of independent test data on a spread of Hydraulic Interface Units, as well as by the ensuing technical discussions.

To us it is fairly clear how a modern heat network should run, and the fact that we "spanked" the test proves we have an idea or two up our sleeves.

This article explains why its time to throw out the existing book, and embrace the revolution.

Key Advances in Technology

At the core of the revolution is the shift from mechanical systems to electronic. Believe it or not, the district heating industry still clings to the concept that mechanical is best and more reliable. This is simply down to having not yet experience an electronic system from a reliable manufacturer.

There is however no doubt that the ability of electronic systems to deploy advanced control strategies, using just the one valve per circuit, enables systems to become more advanced without the need to add more and more valves (or valve components).

The introduction of electronics also enables networked communications. It allows remote management of settings, remote fault alarming, and holistic heat network functionality.

The nice thing is, there is usually all the hardware already in place to allow this networking to take place, in the form of a billing system, and we will in part cover the latest advances in this arena.

The real breakthrough that has been made in the HIUs, enable by the use of electronics, is the way the systems manage the volumes and times that primary heat is drawn, in order to manage the heat network in its entirety. The effects on heat loss and volumes circulates is, as the independent data proves, quite revolutionary.