DHNpype is particularly suited to preliminary analyses of network configurations or expansions, or for maintenance planning by determining heat loss hotspots on individual branches of district heating and cooling networks where the availability of operational data is limited. The program can support designers, network operators, local authorities, and investment experts by enabling quick evaluations of different maintenance or development scenarios.
DHNpype reads standard GIS data to model individual branches of the network. This also enables the user to visualise the quality of the pipeline’s insulation on a geographical map of the network’s location. The program evaluates heat flow section by section, accounting for the thickness of the insulation, the type of pipe installation, and the ambient conditions.
Key features of DHNpype include:
- Perform rapid analysis of individual district network branches with minimal data – Download a branch’s GIS data from a network repository and build the heat flow loss model.
- Identify heat loss hotspots directly from the map – Use the option for interactive plotting for easier visualisation of the results.
- Quickly and efficiently evaluate different scenarios – Explore different network configurations and simulate the quality of pipeline insulation with minimal effort and minimal data.
The tool is freely accessible and has been published in line with the LIFE Programme’s commitment to transparency, knowledge sharing, and fostering replicability across Europe.
You can access the tool here and the documentation here.
