1. Module overview
This module explores district heating and cooling (DHC) systems from the building level to the primary network. It presents different methods for determining space heating, space cooling and domestic hot water (DHW) demands, as well as the main principles of hydronic distribution systems used in buildings.
The module also covers the operation and sizing of key system components, including heat emitters, pipes, pumps, valves, substations and primary networks. Particular emphasis is placed on practical engineering applications and on understanding how building-side systems interact with district energy networks.
The module is primarily designed as a reusable teaching resource for educators, lecturers and trainers. It can support lectures, blended learning activities, classroom discussions, practical assignments and continuing professional development training. Students and professionals may also use the materials for independent study, especially if they already have basic knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer and fluid mechanics.
2. Main topics covered in the module
- Space heating and cooling demand calculation methods
- Heat losses, heat gains and key thermal parameters
- Domestic hot water (DHW) demand and supply systems
- Building-side hydronic systems and heat emitters
- Hydraulic distribution systems, pipes, pumps and control valves
- Substations and control strategies
- Primary district heating and cooling network configurations and operation
3. Learning Outcomes (skills and competences)
Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to:
- Estimate space heating and cooling demands using different calculation approaches
- Determine domestic hot water (DHW) demand and select suitable supply concepts
- Analyse and size building-side hydronic systems and heat emitters
- Explain the operation and control of substations and hydraulic distribution systems
- Compare different primary network hydraulic configurations and their operational implications
- Analyse the interaction between buildings and district heating and cooling networks
4. Recommended use of the materials
The materials can be used flexibly in higher education and professional training contexts. Educators and trainers may adapt the guidebook, slides, question bank and practical exercise according to the level, format and objectives of their own teaching.
For educators and trainers
Educators may use the module in the following way:
- Review the module overview and learning outcomes: Use the overview and learning outcomes to identify how the module fits into your course, training programme or existing curriculum.
- Select the relevant guidebook sections: The guidebook can be used as core reading material, supplementary reading or background material for selected topics. Specific sections may be assigned for independent study before or after classroom sessions.
- Use the presentation slides for teaching: The accompanying slides can support lectures, seminars and guided discussions. They may be used as provided or adapted to the local curriculum and teaching format.
- Integrate the question bank into teaching and assessment: The question bank contains questions developed from the module materials. Educators may use them for classroom discussion, formative assessment, self-check activities or integration into local LMS-based tests.
- Use the practical exercise for applied learning: The practical exercise can support classroom work, group activities, homework assignments or project-based learning. It focuses on engineering-oriented sizing and calculation tasks related to DHC systems.
For independent learners
Students and professionals using the module independently may follow the sequence below:
- Review the introductory presentation: Familiarise yourself with the main concepts, terminology and structure of the module.
- Study the guidebook materials: Read the detailed explanations, engineering principles and calculation methods presented in the guidebook.
- Watch the module video: Use the short supporting video as an orientation to the module’s main topics and learning focus.
- Complete the self-check quiz: Test your understanding of the key concepts and technical principles covered in the module.
- Attempt the practical exercise: Apply the acquired knowledge through engineering-oriented sizing and calculation tasks related to district heating and cooling systems.
5. Learning materials
This section contains the reusable teaching and learning resources related to the module. The materials are primarily designed to support educators and trainers in integrating district heating and cooling topics into higher education and professional training activities. They may also be used for guided or independent learning.
5.1 Guidebook
The guidebook contains the theoretical background, engineering principles, calculation methods and system design concepts covered in the module. It is intended as the core teaching resource of the module and may be used as background reading, assigned self-study material or a reference document for lectures and practical activities.
Resources (coming soon)
- 📘 View online
- 📥 Download PDF
5.2 Presentation slides
The presentation slides summarize the key concepts, engineering principles, formulas and system configurations covered throughout the module. The materials are designed to support both independent learning and reuse in higher education and professional training activities.
Module 2.1 – Introduction
Introduction to building heat losses, internal and solar gains, domestic hot water demand and space cooling concepts in district heating and cooling applications.
Resources
Module 2.2 – Space heating and cooling demand
Overview of calculation methods for space heating and cooling demand, including thermal signature methods, archetype approaches and European standards.
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Module 2.3 – Domestic hot water demand
Introduction to domestic hot water demand estimation, consumption patterns, simultaneity factors and sizing principles for DHW systems.
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Module 2.4 – Building-side hydronic systems
Presentation of building-side hydraulic systems, heat emitters, pipes, pumps, balancing concepts and distribution system design principles.
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Module 2.5 – Substation and control
Overview of substations, heat exchangers, hydraulic separation, control strategies and different substation configurations used in district heating systems.
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Module 2.6 – Primary network
Introduction to primary district heating and cooling network configurations, hydraulic schemes, network structures and operational concepts.
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5.3 Module video
A short supporting video introducing the main focus, engineering context and key topics of the module will be published here.
The video is intended to support orientation within the module and may be used by educators as an introductory resource or by independent learners as a starting point for self-study.
Resources
- 🎥 Module overview video (coming soon)
5.4 Self-check quiz
The self-check quiz allows learners to evaluate their understanding of the main concepts and engineering principles presented in the module. Educators may also use it as a model for formative assessment or adapt the related question bank for their own teaching context.
The quiz includes questions related to:
- space heating and cooling demand,
- domestic hot water systems,
- hydronic networks,
- substations and primary networks.
Resources
- 🧠 Start self-check quiz
5.5 Practical exercise
The module includes a practical engineering exercise focusing on the sizing and operation of district heating and cooling systems, including heating demand estimation, emitter sizing, hydraulic distribution and substation design.
The exercise may be used for classroom work, group activities, homework assignments or project-based learning.
Resources
5.6 Question bank
The module includes a reusable question bank based on the self-check and assessment questions developed by the module authors. The resource is intended to support adaptation and reuse in higher education teaching, blended learning activities and local assessment practices.
The question bank includes:
- multiple-choice questions,
- short numerical application tasks,
- questions organised by module topic,
- items that may be used for self-check activities, classroom discussion, formative assessment or adaptation into local LMS-based quizzes.
Resources
6. Practical application
The module focuses on engineering-oriented applications related to the design and operation of district heating and cooling systems. The presented methods and examples are intended to support both conceptual understanding and practical system analysis.
Practical topics covered in the module include:
- building space heating and cooling demand estimation,
- domestic hot water (DHW) demand calculation,
- hydronic system and heat emitter sizing,
- hydraulic distribution and balancing concepts,
- substation configurations and control strategies,
- primary network hydraulic schemes and operation.
The materials are intended not only for individual learning, but also for adaptation and reuse in higher education teaching and professional training activities.
7. Further reading and references
The module materials are supported by European standards, engineering guidelines and technical references related to district heating and cooling systems, building energy performance and hydronic design.
Key references and resources include:
- EN 12831 – Energy performance of buildings – Method for calculation of the design heat load
- EN 442 – Radiators and convectors
- EN 1434 – Heat meters
- TABULA / EPISCOPE building typology resources
- French RE2020 regulation and technical guidance documents
- AICVF engineering references for HVAC and cooling system design
- Additional bibliography and technical references included in the guidebook materials.
8. Feedback
Educators, trainers and learners are invited to provide feedback on the module and its potential use in higher education and professional training contexts.
Feedback may address:
- clarity and usability of the materials,
- relevance of the engineering content,
- applicability in teaching and training activities,
- suitability for independent or blended learning,
- possibilities for integration into existing courses and educational programmes.
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