Ground Source Heat Pump Design for District Heating Networks
Innovative, Efficient, and Sustainable Heating Solutions for Large-Scale Heat Network Projects
Heat networks are vital to making net zero a reality in the UK. In high density urban areas, they are often the lowest cost, low carbon heating option.
4th Generation District heating involves a local energy centre that supplies heat and hot water to consumers in more than one building.
District heat networks can vary significantly in size, with the largest serving hundreds or even thousands of consumers across many buildings.
It's a more efficient alternative to individual building heating systems, as it centralises heat generation, reducing waste and emissions.
The Evolution of Heat Networks: Fifth-Generation Heat Networks
Fifth-Generation Heat Networks represent a significant leap in the evolution of district heating technology. They go beyond the traditional district heating systems by integrating cutting-edge innovations, including renewable energy sources, smart technology, and enhanced efficiency.
In 5th generation networks an energy centre is often not required and heat is delivered via networked heat pumps located close to the point of use - creating highly efficient, low-carbon and reliable heating and cooling systems for a decarbonising world.
Why Choose GSHP for District Heating Networks?
Efficiency
High energy efficiency and reduced operational costs
Sustainability
Low environmental impact and reduced carbon emissions
Scalability
Ideal for large-scale applications and urban developments
Reliability
Consistent and reliable energy supply
Our GSHP District Heating Network Design Services
We work with Energy Services Companies (ESCo) to offer our technical support and GSHP design expertise at every stage of a large-scale district heat network project
Feasibility Studies
Assessing site conditions, energy demands, and potential benefits.
Custom Borehole design solutions
Geology, ground loop design, drilling oversight, geological maps, CAD layouts, and technical support.
Full system design, plus maintenance and optimisation
Technical design pack including CAD drawings, system hydraulic design, assessment of heating distribution system, pipework illustration schematics, plant room M&E specification, BMS description of operation, electrical services design, pipework specification for borehole loop, commissioning strategy for the borehole loops, running cost expectations, carbon saving calculations, planning applications.
Successful Heat Network Projects
Urban District Heating - Parc Eirin
Genius Energy Lab was brought on board to support the technical design aspects of this fifth-generation district heat network in a development of 225 homes - from initial geology reports to a full ground source heat pump borehole loop design that incorporated multiple shared arrays.
Large-Scale Residential Development - One Horton Heath
The team delivered a full RIBA stage 4 detailed design of the entire system to service 381 dwellings development of what will be the largest distributed ambient loop 5th-generation heat network globally.
How we get to work: RIBA stages
We’re involved in all RIBA stages of ground source heat pump design: from feasibility to design and construction.
Learn more about how Genius Energy Lab gets to work on large-scale GSHP projects.
Genius Energy Lab’s Experience and Compliance
We have two decades’ experience in low and zero-carbon heating and cooling projects
5* AECOM accredited supplier
Certified Geoexchange Designer qualification (held by our CTO)
ISO9001 and ISO14001
Members of the Ground Source Heat Pump Association (GSHPA)
Colin Page, Director, AECOM
“I have commissioned Genius Energy Lab for heat pump studies on a number of complex projects and have always found them to be responsive, helpful and very knowledgeable; their expert input has added credibility and confidence to the heat pump proposals and delivered excellent value to us and our clients.”
