Energy efficiency of multi-apartment residential houses with individual heat supply

Abstract

Centralized hot water systems widely used in Russia and Belarus are characterized by a considerable length and branching which inevitably leads to increased heat losses and to an unstable hydraulic system. The operation of the domestic hot water system in the circulation mode can be characterized by several parameters; one of which is the specific ratio of the cost of thermal energy for heating a cubic meter of hot water. The parameter is often regulated by law in Russia; exceeding this parameter is considered as administrative violation. The aim of the research is to determine the design and actual costs of thermal energy for hot water supply (hot water heating) and their comparison, analysis of the data obtained. The methodology for determining the design and real costs of thermal energy for hot water supply was to study the operation of the hot water supply system of a residential 144-apartment 9-storey building. The research showed that the actual circulating flow rate is much less than the calculated circulating flow rate. The authors note that in order to optimize the standard for heating a cubic meter of water it is necessary to observe the calculated circulation modes. This will require stabilization of the hydraulic systems of both the external and internal networks which is a difficult but feasible task. The research results are supposed to be taken into account when setting up existing hot water supply systems.