BSRIA guide to heat interface units
In December 2015, BSRIA launched a new BSRIA Guide, Heat Interface Units BG 62/2105 written by Reginald Brown with the help of an industry steering group. It is intended for use by specifiers, designers and installers of heating systems served by communal or district heat networks.
The guide defines heat interface units (HIU) as ‘…the means of connection of the consumer’s heating and hot water systems to a heat network and may include isolation and control valves, heat exchangers, pumps and metering devices.’
The guide focuses on the application and installation of direct and indirect heat interface units for residential and small commercial applications within district and communal heat networks. It suggests that installing a HIU linked to a district or communal heat network rather than a conventional boiler can have significant economic and environmental benefits, but that successful operation depends on appropriate system design and specification, and competent installation and maintenance.
The contents of the guide include:
- Introduction.
- Definitions.
- Efficient use of heat networks.
- Designing for HIU’s.
- Heating systems using direct HIU’s.
- Heating systems using indirect HIU’s.
- Domestic hot water.
- Heat metering.
- Acceptance testing.
- Regulations.
- Appendices.
It does not deal with economic assessment, selection of heat sources or detailed design. Guidance on the selection of heat sources and the design and implementation of heat networks is provided by CIBSE’s 2015 Heat Networks: Code of Practice for the UK(CIBSE/ADE CP1), and BSRIA/UKDEA BG 69/2016 (available early 2016).
The BSRIA Heat Interface Units guide is also available to buy as part of a set with CIBSE/ADE CP1.
Catherine England, BSRIA Marketing Officer, said, “Heat networks are not a new idea. However, over the past 20 years there is increasing recognition that heat networks, enabled by the use of HIUs, particularly those associated with combined heat and power systems in urban areas, are a key element of a low carbon future.”
--BSRIA
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- A technical guide to district heating (FB 72).
- Allowable solutions.
- Big growth in district heating markets - now and on the horizon.
- Biomass boiler.
- CHP boiler.
- Combined heat and power.
- District energy networks
- Domestic micro-generation.
- Geothermal energy.
- Heat exchanger.
- Heat interface unit.
- Heat Networks Investment Project HNIP.
- Heat pump.
- National heat map.
- Renewable energy.
- Smart cities.
- Types of domestic boiler.
- Water source heat map.
Featured articles and news
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.