Update: Purmerend’s District Heating Resurrection at Steep Returns

Initial case study can be found here.

In September 2015, the multiannual renovation project for 4,000 homes concluded for the city of Purmerend, the Netherlands. The cooperation between Thermaflex and local district heating company Stadsverwarming Purmerend saw the successful end of SVP’s ‘SlimNet’ program, aimed at reviving Purmerend’s deteriorated district heating network. The network could be fully re-engineered, and renovated with Thermaflex’ smart, and sustainable Flexalen plastic piping system. Annually, heat losses have been cut by the equivalent consumption of 1,400 homes, water losses by the equivalent of 7 Olympic-sized pools, and the number of unplanned reparations by 84%. The power of innovation for the renovation of the 4,000 residential buildings lay in the co-creation of all parties involved.

District Heating 2.0

SVP used the renovation to completely redesign the network. An ideal composition was made for each residential district to maximize returns. “We didn’t just look at the parts to be replaced, but used the opportunity to redesign the complete district heating network. Thermaflex’ pipes have smaller diameters, but secured much greater heat returns compared to our old steel system. This way we were able to lower the nominal pressure with almost 1 bar. This meant less water was needed in the network and very attractive energy savings. For our new innovative heating network, we came up with a suitable name: SlimNet” Martijn explains.

Raising a crucial support base

Apart from the technique and strategic work planning, special attention was also paid to the communication with the residents and the city. The approval ratings for district heating had sunk to a deep point as a result of the many system failures. Now came a renovation project that would cause even more disturbance. Van Lier: “We had to tread very carefully. Communication had a key role in this project. That’s why we drafted a communications protocol with a tasked role for the contractor. Every client would be personally visited and informed about the constructions. To gain support, we made sure that every resident would be secured with an emergency hot water supply during the construction works. With full transparency, we illustrated the plans and kept well to our promises. That approach really worked.”

Facts & figures

4,000 customers out of 25,000 in total have been connected to the new and improved district heating network. The preparation of pre-fabrications went further. Thermaflex and installers have even demonstrated the connection of an entire street in just a single day. From digging the trench in the morning, to rolling out the prefabricated network and connecting the homes, to closing the trench by the end of the day, securing access for citizens again in the evening.

Read the full article here.

Source: Thermaflex