The implementation of a district heating and, or cooling scheme (commonly referred to as a District Energy System DES) is one of the opportunities available for the Central City rebuild following the Christchurch earthquake of 22nd February 2011. DES commonly serve both residential buildings and commercial properties.
A DES generates thermal energy (heating and cooling water) at an energy efficient and environmentally responsible central plant and conveys this through a network of pipes to buildings in the ‘district’ for space heating, domestic hot water heating and air conditioning use. As such, individual buildings connected to the DES no longer require their own dedicated energy plant, such as boilers, chillers or air conditioners.
Christchurch District Energy System Information Report May 2012
The original reports can be found here http://www.cafe.gen.nz/DES-feasibility
Earlier Christchurch Central City District Energy System Information Report 15 July 2011
The proposal for a DES is referred to in the Christchurch City Council Central City Plan
DES have been successfully implemented and operated throughout the world over many years.
They are not limited to cold climates, such as northern Europe, or hot climates such as Singapore, but are readily found in temperate climates similar to conditions experienced in Christchurch, Denmark, UK and North America. Indeed heating and cooling requirements in Christchurch can be more demanding than in places where DES have already been successfully deployed, however demand alone is not the only determining factor of success. It is estimated that there are over 2,500 district energy systems operating throughout the United States.
Click the link below to read the full (4MB) report.
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