Improving Heat Network Performance
At the start of 2023, CIBSE published a revised version of CP1 Heat networks: Code of Practice for the UK. Building on knowledge gained on schemes across the country, CP1 (2020) has been developed to support best practice in this developing area, helping to tackle issues such as oversizing as well as providing a clear golden thread of audited information about the design and installation to support operation and maintenance.
Heat networks can, of course, vary considerably in both size and complexity - from a system serving a single building (defined in CP1 (2020) as Communal Heating) to one providing for whole communities or cities (District Heating). In recognition of this, CP1 does not try to provide a set template for heat network delivery, but instead sets out 540 minimum standards across a variety of areas. The project team is then given the freedom to develop the specifics based on the particular requirements or performance targets for the network.
A good example of how this process works is the guidance around pipework insulation on secondary systems (pipework within buildings). CP1 (2020) recognises that effectively insulating this pipework is essential, both to maintain system performance and guard against overheating, and sets out basic minimum insulation standards. The Code also highlights, however, that by going beyond these, it may be possible to significantly raise overall system efficiency.
CP1 and Pipe Insulation
The minimum requirements for secondary pipework insulation are provided in table 8 of Objective 3.9. Minimum pipe insulation thicknesses are given for both phenolic and mineral fibre materials across a range of steel pipe diameters. These are typically set at 50 mm for both insulation options.
