Rehau supplies the pipework for 7 km district-heating system
Rehau has supplied 7 km of its Rauthermex pre-insulated polymer pipework for what the company believes is one of the largest polymer district-heating networks in the UK. Heat is provided by four Guntamatic Pro 249 kW wood-pellet boilers supported by a 3 MW LPG boiler system to serve 45 buildings around the 125-acre Soho Farmhouse estate and members’ club in Great Tew, Oxfordshire.
The buildings include 32 luxury cabins for guests (some of which are pictured), a 7-bedroom farm house, staff accommodation building and a mix of restaurants, bars, pool rooms, barns and gyms.
The system includes two 10 000 l bespoke thermal stores and a low-loss header to help maximise the efficiency of the boilers. The system was designed and installed by biomass heating specialist Treco.
Pipework was supplied in 16 different diameter from 25 to 160 mm. The low heat losses are achieved by external thermal insulation with polyurethane foam with a lambda value of just 0.216 W/mK. Initial commissioning data has indicated minimal temperature losses between the plant room and the user ends.
A centrally operated BMS controls the individually zoned and timed heating and hot-water circuits in each building.
