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
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.