Kalmar Energi and NODA Intelligent Systems are working together on an eco-smart and cost-effective district-heating network in the city of Kalmar, Sweden. The system is known as a Smart Heat Grid and is based on intelligent control functions that manage the district-heating network and coordinate the interaction between production, distribution and consumption in order to achieve energy efficiency and long-term sustainability.

Almost every property has virtual stored energy in the form of heat. When a number of properties are linked up, real-time analyses of the properties can be performed to optimally utilise this energy reserve. Through intelligent property controls the energy reserve can be put to better use in other parts of the network, thus reducing so-called peak load without affecting the indoor climate. This evens out the load on the grid over a 24-hour period, so the boilers do not need to work as hard and the flow through the district-heating pipes is more uniform, which is both cost-effective and extremely eco-smart. The concept is known as a Smart Heat Grid.

A Smart Heat Grid system can enable new developments to have district heating without needing to invest in more boilers or upgrade to larger district-heating pipes. The system also saves money and the environment. In short, a smart district-heating network yields more sustainable district heating. “At Kvarnholmen in Kalmar there are plans for a new university, a hotel and other premises. Without a smart district-heating network Kalmar Energi would need to lay more district-heating pipes to Kvarnholmen. Now we can handle the new buildings with the existing district-heating pipework. The only thing we need to add is the pipes to connect the new buildings,” explains Mattias Hedberg, project manager for the smart district-heating network solution at Kalmar Energi.

Some fifty properties in Kalmar are equipped with NODA’s Smart Heat Grid solution, thus establishing a large energy reserve. Back in 2014/2015, 10 buildings in Kalmar were linked up in a Smart Heat Grid, with very positive results. So, Kalmar Energi is now moving forward and linking together a further 40 premises, including the new Linnaeus University.

“We are very proud of the collaboration with Kalmar Energi and the fact that NODA is part of an initiative to build a sustainable district-heating network in Kalmar,” says Patrick Isacson, CEO of NODA. “Digitalisation of the energy industry is important both locally and nationally, as it provides major efficiency and environmental gains.”

Facts about Smart Heat Grid:

How big a peak in demand can be evened out depends on how many properties are connected to the system, the actual outdoor temperature and the length of time the system is governed by need. As the number of properties connected to the system increases, so does the potential. In Kalmar, Kalmar Energi see potential to make available power equivalent to the needs of up to around 1000 modern detached homes.

Smart District Heating Network Using NODA’s Technology