Comparison of the efficiency of options for the reconstruction of the heating network

The heating network of the heat supply system, which has exhausted its resource, needs reconstruction. At the stage of choosing the method of relaying the heating network, there is a need to determine the most profitable reconstruction option in terms of capital and operating costs. The article proposes a methodology based on the comparison and contrast of the most significant types of costs and losses during the life cycle of heat networks: during construction, during the transportation of heat carrier, in case of leaks of heat carrier and through thermal insulation. A comparative analysis of possible options based on relative performance indicators determined as a result of processing initial, standard and calculated data is carried out using ZuluThermo and MS Excel programs. The distribution heating network and possible options for its reconstruction are considered and calculated. For each option, a design calculation was carried out to determine the diameters of pipelines in the sections and an adjustment calculation to determine the calculated values of the characteristics of the heating network. A comparison of the effectiveness of the options was performed. The most effective option is with duct-free piping in bitumen-perlite insulation with pumping mixing for the consumer, but due to the fact that the heating main passes through an industrial area, a slightly less efficient reconstruction option with above-ground piping on low supports in polyurethane foam insulation with pumping mixing for the consumer is recommended. The methodology can be used to substantiate the choice of the option for the reconstruction of the heat supply network.