Future Regional Energy Network

Since 1981, when regional energy solutions were first introduced, numerous District Heating and Cooling Networks have been successfully established. Thermaflex has achieved global success by collaborating with key sector stakeholders in research and development activities to create new and advanced solutions. The vision underlying this collaboration is to reduce waste energy and increase the use of renewable sources.

Introduction

The original conditions of technological development have been maintained: lower total investment per household connection, durability, moisture resistance and system application reliability. To meet the needs of current and future stakeholders, Thermaflex supports innovation through these points: network design, speed and ease of application and quality, environmental impact, efficiency, sustainability and logistics. New tailored model solutions address key requirements such as minimum environmental impact, application safety and speed.

Creating Success Stories Together

The secret to the success of a district heating and cooling project is optimized line design. This success can be achieved by creating specialized system solutions that meet the needs of the customers involved and providing active support during the design phase. During the project preparation phase, collaboration with all stakeholders such as consultants, contractors, municipalities and end users ensures that the best solutions are created to prevent unwanted costs. Thermaflex has produced significant results by working with its customers on cooling, heating, domestic hot and cold water supply lines and renewable energy applications. If we address the most challenging section in a project's implementation – branch connections and fittings are, as far as possible, manufactured off-site, usually in the factory, as prefabricated components with 100% control, which has proven to be highly beneficial for stakeholders. The prefabricated house connection that we call Flexalink reduces field connections by at least 70% compared to currently used systems. In as little as one day, all residences on a street can be connected to the district heating line. The most important advantage of this system is that thanks to its ease of application, it does not disturb the flow of daily life and minimizes application risks. This solution contributes to district heating comfort and economics. Through our long-standing cooperation with Stadsverwarming Purmerend and Warmtenet Hengelo, prefabricated components have been applied in small-scale district heating lines in renovation and new construction projects. 15,000 flexalink units have been designed according to customer requirements and special conditions and delivered for end-user use.

Service Life and Environmental Impact

Thanks to carefully selected materials and homogeneous welded connections, the service life of the pipe system reaches up to 50 years at 90°C and up to 100 years at 70°C. Life span calculations can be made for each temperature condition. Using the world's declining resources effectively and wisely is Thermaflex's responsibility. Thermaflex has adopted a "cradle-to-cradle" philosophy. Thermaflex is in the 100% recyclable sustainability class it has set for itself. Flexalen 600 products have earned the "Cradle to Cradle Basic" certification. The entire Flexalen 600 series is made from recyclable materials. Furthermore, through life cycle analysis, the environmental impact of our products can be determined.

Energy Efficiency – Sustainability

Flexalen 600, a pre-insulated pipe system, consistently demonstrates high insulation performance throughout its service life thanks to its high water vapor diffusion resistance. To meet energy efficiency and sustainability requirements, Thermaflex works on all projects from the design phase onwards, taking into account optimization, application, operation and recycling processes after use is complete.

Training: The Right Person for the Right Job

We provide comprehensive training, design certificates and application support so that our stakeholders can derive maximum benefit from our solutions. These are the fundamental elements that make up our quality, efficiency and experience. Drawing lessons from best practices for continuous improvement is the cornerstone of Thermaflex Academy.

Logistics: The Right Material at the Right Time and Place

The experience we have gained by being involved in the project planning process is one of the main reasons for our success in successful implementation and operation of district heating and cooling projects. This approach allows us to serve according to the "just-in-time" principle by shortening the supply and application process.

Success Stories

2010-15: District Heating Purmerend, Netherlands

In this renovation project, through redesign and the use of new materials, heat loss was reduced by 30% compared to the existing heating line. Thanks to complete planning and the use of prefabricated pipe systems, 40 households' district heating systems were rebuilt per week. The renewal of connections for 4,000 households was completed in 2015.

2013: District Heating Otopeni, Romania

The first step in the Otopeni district heating project was the replacement of traditional pre-insulated steel pipes with Flexalen. This resulted in a 75% reduction in application time and a 40% reduction in cost.

2010-13: District Heating Hengelo, Netherlands

Flexalink technology was used in this project where existing residences were connected to the new district heating line. By connecting 14 households to the district heating line per day, application costs were reduced by 20%.

2012-13: District Heating St. Vincent, Caribbean

Pre-insulated pipe systems Flexalen were used in the cooling and drinking water lines of a hotel located on the island of St. Vincent in the Caribbean. Due to its length and high elasticity, it was effective in solving problems caused by height differences along the island's coastline. Other important factors were superior condensation prevention and ease of application. The application provided 50% time savings compared to steel lines.