5GDHC networks are also known as cold heating networks. On this page, we explain what makes cold heating networks special.
What are cold heating networks?
Cold heating networks are thermal networks operating at a very low temperature level, which requires a heat pump to be installed in each of the connected buildings. Inside the building, these decentralized heat pumps raise the heat from the cold heating network to the supply temperature required by the building’s heating system. The term cold heating network therefore describes a thermal network that supplies buildings with heat whose temperature level is not sufficient for direct heating. Other terms are 5th generation district heating and cooling network or anergy network.
Can cold heating networks also provide cooling?
The particular feature of cold heating networks is that they can provide cooling as well as heat. They are often operated at temperatures that allow direct cooling (passive cooling) via a heat exchanger. In some cases, where the temperature level of the network is too high, chillers are installed in the buildings to provide sufficiently low supply temperatures for cooling. Especially in new buildings with underfloor heating, cold heating networks can often be used directly for cooling if the temperature level is around 16 °C. Higher temperatures can result in insufficient cooling capacity. Lower supply temperatures in the underfloor heating circuit can lead to condensation.
Funding for cold heating networks
In Germany, cold heating networks can be funded under the Federal Funding for Efficient Heat Networks (BEW) or, for smaller networks with up to 16 buildings (so-called Gebäudenetze, building networks), under the Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG).