Internationale Partnersuche

Innovation & Technologie Angebot

Airborne monitoring and analysis of district heating systems.

Country of Origin: Germany
Reference Number: TODE20180622001
Publication Date: 22 June 2018

Summary

A German SME specialized in the processing of space and airborne data has developed a monitoring system for district heating networks and their efficiency. It can be used to detect damages, leakages or corroded insulation to avoid malfunctions, improve the network efficiency and decrease operation costs. Operators of district heating systems are sought for commercial agreements with technical assistance. Partners for EU-funded projects are sought for research agreements.

Description

District heating systems distribute the heat generated at a centralized location to a widely spread network of residential or commercial buildings. While they are efficient, these systems are seen as a tool for CO2-reduction in energy production, moreover when renewable energy sources are involved in the production loop. Due to that, they are seen as “the heating system of the future”. Aerial thermography services developed by the German SME helps to monitor the district heating network and its efficiency. 

District heating systems exist in several cities, at the European level and worldwide. They contain a network of pipelines transporting hot water (steam at 110°C-180°C) from the heat generating plant to the individual buildings. By means of aerial thermography, the monitoring system detects the network by the differences in temperature and can deduct the exact location of the network from the georeferenced thermographic map.

The developed technology is able to indicate “hot spots” due to leakages or caused by deterioration of the insulation quality. The reasons of leakages in those hotspots are interpreted and assessed in cooperation with the customer. By this, the customer can execute field checks and eventually take measures where needed. Decreases in energy efficiency of the network can as such be avoided in the future.



Often pipeline networks have been built a long time ago and limited geographical information is available on the exact location of these pipelines. This can result in damage during digging works with dangerous consequences and malfunctioning of the system. Besides the lack of correct geographic information, a good management of the district heating network should monitor the energy efficiency, indicate problem areas and eventually repair leakages and/or corroded insulation.



The companies seeks commercial agreements with technical assistance with providers of district heating systems or service providers. The task to be performed is the integration of the mapping system into existing monitoring structures. This will be done in close co-operation with the German company that will provide the related know-how and support the adaption of individual requirements and the installation. The SME is also interested in further development of its mapping services within EU-funded research projects together with partner companies active in this field of work.

Advantages and Innovations

The innovation lies in the automation of the mapping and its easy usability for operators of district heating networks.



- It facilitates the monitoring and maintenance of district heating networks and the easy detection of non-functioning parts

- Avoidance of dangerous situations due to leakages

- Due to the early and easy detection of leakages and corrosion systematic maintenance measures can lead to a reduction of costs and an increased efficiency which is less harmful for the environment.

Stage Of Development

Already on the market

Requested partner

Commercial agreements with technical assistance are targeted. Possible partners are providers of district heating systems or respective service providers. The task to be performed is the integration of the mapping system into existing monitoring structures. This will be done in close co-operation with the German company that will provide the related know-how and support the adaption of individual requirements and the installation. The SME is also interested in further development of its mapping services within EU-funded research projects together with partner companies active in this field of work.