Approach temperature
Heat Interface Units (BG 62/2015) was written by Reginald Brown and published by BSRIA in December 2015. It states: ‘The approach temperature is the smallest temperature difference between the primary and secondary fluids at any point within a heat exchanger. It depends on the design of the heat exchanger and the operating conditions. For a counter flow or cross flow plate heat exchanger it will usually be the difference between the primary return temperature and the secondary return temperature. Ideally for network efficiency, the approach temperature should be as small as possible, but reducing the approach temperature for a given heat transfer rate means increasing the physical size and therefore cost of the heat exchanger.’
--BSRIA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- A technical guide to district heating (FB 72).
- Big growth in district heating markets - now and on the horizon.
- BSRIA articles.
- BSRIA definitions.
- BSRIA guide to heat interface units.
- Communal heating.
- Direct heat interface unit.
- District energy networks
- Domestic micro-generation.
- Heat exchanger.
- Heat interface unit.
- Indirect heat interface unit.
Featured articles and news
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.

















