UK funds district heating network data analysis tool

A tool designed to analyse the energy efficiency of district heating networks has been awarded a share of a £6 million ($9.4 million) grant fund by the UK’s Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).

The web-based technology from London-based software firm Guru Systems analyses performance data and applies machine learning algorithms to identify the root causes of inefficiency. Costed measures to improve heat networks are then proposed, the company said.

According to Guru Systems, the tool’s algorithms can recognise patterns and identify the likely source of any inefficiency using data from smart meters, building management systems, M-Bus networks or manual readings.

The award comes in the second round of DECC funding designed to stimulate innovation to address heating network cost and performance challenges. During the programme’s first round, Guru Systems conducted data-analysis feasibility studies on four UK heat networks, determining that together they could reduce their fuel use by 33%-51%.

The company estimates that its software could save the UK’s heat networks £400 million in reduced energy costs over the next 10 years.

Casey Cole, Guru Systems’ managing director, said: ‘Losses on district heat networks can be a big issue for the increasing number of landlords and developers looking to build district heating systems into their schemes. Now, thanks to support from DECC, district heat networks have been brought into the 21st century.’

Source: COSPP