Classic heating network vs. heating network 4.0
19. May 2025
Climate target 2050 – What does “net zero” mean for Switzerland?
19. June 2025Classic heating network vs. heating network 4.0
19. May 2025Climate target 2050 – What does “net zero” mean for Switzerland?
19. June 2025How a district heating supply is created
EXPLAINED STEP BY STEP
At first glance, a district heating supply appears to be a complex system of pipes, technology and energy flows - but behind this is a clearly structured process.
This article shows how a district heating network in Switzerland Switzerland is planned, built and put into operation and which specialists are involved.
🧭 1. project idea and preliminary study
The initial question is: Is a heating network even worthwhile?
In this phase:
Potential heat consumers (customers) recorded,
initial route variants roughly examined,
and the local heat supply (e.g. wood, waste heat, solar) analyzed.
➡️ Objective: A feasibility study with profitability analysis.
🛠️ 2. design and project planning
Now it's time for the details:
The power requirement and temperature level of the connected buildings are recorded.
The central heating system (e.g. wood boiler, waste heat recovery) is planned.
The routing of the main and connecting lines is outlined.
A suitable pipe system (e.g. KMR, PE-RC) is selected and dimensioned.
➡️ The end result is a technical concept and an updated business plan.
📋 3. tendering and approval
This is followed by the preparation of plans and tender documents for civil engineering, pipe laying and stations.
The necessary building permits are obtained from the authorities.
The contract is awarded to specialist companies, for example for:
Pipe construction
Welding work
Station construction
Control technology
➡️ As a result, all preparations for the start of construction have now been completed.
🚧 4. construction phase and installation
The construction crews lay and weld the pipes, check the weld seams and ensure that they are tight.
At the same time, they install house connections with shut-off valves and the basement pipes.
They connect the transfer stations (often pre-assembled as compact stations) ready for operation.
In the central heating plant, they install the boiler, control system, power and communication connections.
➡️ This is followed by the final leak and function test.
🔄 5. commissioning and documentation
The technicians are now gradually putting the network into operation:
They fill the pipes with water and check the pressure.
Then switch on the heat generation and start step-by-step operation.
They record and rectify any defects.
Finally, they hand over the complete technical documentation to the operator.
🏠 6. house station and handover
Each connected building receives a compact house station consisting of:
a transfer station
and a building control center with controllers, heat exchangers, pumps, etc.
Experts distinguish between:
Direct connection - the heating water from the mains flows directly into the domestic system
Indirect connection - a heat exchanger hydraulically separates the mains and domestic circuits (standard solution in Switzerland)
👷♂️ Experts involved and their roles
| Department | Task |
|---|---|
| Planning office | Designs the network, plans tenders |
| Site management | Coordinates the entire execution |
| Pipe fitter / welder | Lays and welds the pipes |
| HVAC installer | Installs house stations and supply lines |
| Electrician & Control | Sets up communication and measurement |
| Heat supplier | Manages, operates and maintains the project |
✅ Conclusion: Many steps - one goal
From the initial concept to the operational house station, various specialist areas work hand in hand.
The end result is a reliable, sustainable and space-saving heat supply - ideal for residential districts, complexes and commercial areas.