Energy-efficient Thermal Insulation Material for District Heating Pipelines

Chantsaldulam Erdenechuluun; Tserendolgor Dugargaramjav

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251403.12

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Energy-efficient Thermal Insulation Material for District Heating Pipelines

Chantsaldulam Erdenechuluun

, Tserendolgor Dugargaramjav^*

Published in International Journal of Materials Science and Applications (Volume 14, Issue 3)

Received: 21 April 2025 Accepted: 3 May 2025 Published: 12 June 2025

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Abstract

In recent years, Mongolia has experienced a shortage of district heating sources and networks, primarily due to intensive construction, including apartment buildings. With urbanization and economic growth, new buildings are being built at a rapid pace, requiring connections to the district heating (DH) system. Recent data shows that the annual growth rate of heat consumption has increased by approximately 3 to 5 percent compared to previous periods. As a result, one of the key tasks for our energy sector is to implement a cost-saving policy to reduce heat losses in the distribution network. Additionally, around 30 percent of Ulaanbaatar's heating networks are outdated and cannot be swiftly replaced due to economic and time constraints. This paper focuses on experimental studies of heat losses within district heating (DH) systems' pipe networks. In these heat networks, various thermal insulating materials are used. Over time, the insulation around the pipelines deteriorates, and due to wear and environmental factors, it fails to meet technical requirements, leading to a significant increase in heat loss beyond calculated values. Effectively implementing energy efficiency in a district heating system requires a comprehensive understanding of the energy performance of the pipe networks, which can be achieved through energy audit techniques. Using a drone equipped with a thermal camera, we assessed pipeline heat loss and damage in real-time and dynamic conditions. Additionally, we compared different pipeline insulation materials and conducted feasibility studies on utilizing high-density pre-insulated polyurethane foam insulation boards. Our proposal indicates that the heat loss from the insulation panels will be 1.7 times lower than the reference value, resulting in a 30% energy saving, as confirmed by both technical and economic calculations.

Published in	International Journal of Materials Science and Applications (Volume 14, Issue 3)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251403.12
Page(s)	67-71
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

High-density Polyurethane Foam, Thermal Insulation, District Heating Pipe, Energy Efficiency

References

[1]	T. Dugargaramjav, T. Sereejav, E. Byambasuren, A Study on the Transition to a Consumption-Based Heat Billing System, Journal of Energy Transition, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 1–8, Dec. 2024. https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2441-318X
[2]	Altangerel T. et al., Solutions of hydraulic mode by decreasing heat loss of DH, Power & Engineering, ISSN978-99929-73-24-2, Ulaanbaatar, 2023, pp. 29-33.
[3]	Enkhjargal D., Tserendolgor D., Heat leakage detection in DH systems, Academic papers at MUST, 22(18)-306, ISSN1560-8794, Ulaanbaatar, 2022, pp. 63-68.
[4]	Safae El Mrabet, Bilal Lamrani et al., A brief overview of district heating pipe network progress, Energy Conversation and Management: X 23, (2024) 100641. https://doi.org./10.1016/j.ecmx.2024.100641/
[5]	Sara Mangs, Camilla Persson, Morgan Fröling, Olle Ramnäs, and Ulf Jarfelt, Environmental comparison of DH pipes - PET and PUR foam insulated district heating pipes, Euroheat & Power, ISSN0949-166X, 2006, Vol. 3, no 1, pp. 26-31.
[6]	Rasmus Lund, Soma Mohammadi, Choice of insulation standard for pipe networks in 4th generation district heating systems, Applied Thermal Engineering 98 (2016) pp. 256–264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2015.12.015
[7]	A. R. Hayrullin et al., Experimental study of pipe insulation heat losses with moisture ingress, Earth and Environmental Science 979 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/979/1/012125
[8]	Stanislav Chicherin, Hydraulic Balancing of District Heating Systems and Improving Thermal Comfort in Buildings, Energies 2025, 18, 1259, 2-26. https://doi.org/10.3390/en18051259
[9]	H. I. Topal, A. Arabkoohsar, Enhancing ultra low temperature district heating systems with neighborhood-scale heat pump and triple-pipe distribution: A techno-economic analysis. Journal of Building Engineering, 95, Article 110316. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2024.110316
[10]	U. Ilhan, Optimum insulation thickness for pipes in district heating systems, Journal of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Vol. 2(42), No. 3, 2018, pp. 225-232. https://doi.org/10.30464/jmee.2018.2.3.225
[11]	Deming Wang, Heat loss along the pipeline and its control measures, Applied Sciences, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-022-05226-2
[12]	Standard BNbD 3.05.03-95 DHS.
[13]	European standard EN-253, District heating pipes.
[14]	Thermal insulation-determination of steady-state thermal transmission properties of thermal insulation for circular pipes, ISO8497: 1994 (en).
[15]	Wang, H.; Meng, H.; Zhu, T. New model for onsite heat loss state estimation of general district heating network with hourly measurements. Energy Conversation Management 2018, 157, 71–85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2017.11.062

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APA Style

Erdenechuluun, C., Dugargaramjav, T. (2025). Energy-efficient Thermal Insulation Material for District Heating Pipelines. International Journal of Materials Science and Applications, 14(3), 67-71. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251403.12

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ACS Style

Erdenechuluun, C.; Dugargaramjav, T. Energy-efficient Thermal Insulation Material for District Heating Pipelines. Int. J. Mater. Sci. Appl. 2025, 14(3), 67-71. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251403.12

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AMA Style

Erdenechuluun C, Dugargaramjav T. Energy-efficient Thermal Insulation Material for District Heating Pipelines. Int J Mater Sci Appl. 2025;14(3):67-71. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251403.12

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@article{10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251403.12,
  author = {Chantsaldulam Erdenechuluun and Tserendolgor Dugargaramjav},
  title = {Energy-efficient Thermal Insulation Material for District Heating Pipelines
},
  journal = {International Journal of Materials Science and Applications},
  volume = {14},
  number = {3},
  pages = {67-71},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251403.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251403.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijmsa.20251403.12},
  abstract = {In recent years, Mongolia has experienced a shortage of district heating sources and networks, primarily due to intensive construction, including apartment buildings. With urbanization and economic growth, new buildings are being built at a rapid pace, requiring connections to the district heating (DH) system. Recent data shows that the annual growth rate of heat consumption has increased by approximately 3 to 5 percent compared to previous periods. As a result, one of the key tasks for our energy sector is to implement a cost-saving policy to reduce heat losses in the distribution network. Additionally, around 30 percent of Ulaanbaatar's heating networks are outdated and cannot be swiftly replaced due to economic and time constraints. This paper focuses on experimental studies of heat losses within district heating (DH) systems' pipe networks. In these heat networks, various thermal insulating materials are used. Over time, the insulation around the pipelines deteriorates, and due to wear and environmental factors, it fails to meet technical requirements, leading to a significant increase in heat loss beyond calculated values. Effectively implementing energy efficiency in a district heating system requires a comprehensive understanding of the energy performance of the pipe networks, which can be achieved through energy audit techniques. Using a drone equipped with a thermal camera, we assessed pipeline heat loss and damage in real-time and dynamic conditions. Additionally, we compared different pipeline insulation materials and conducted feasibility studies on utilizing high-density pre-insulated polyurethane foam insulation boards. Our proposal indicates that the heat loss from the insulation panels will be 1.7 times lower than the reference value, resulting in a 30% energy saving, as confirmed by both technical and economic calculations.
},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Energy-efficient Thermal Insulation Material for District Heating Pipelines

AU  - Chantsaldulam Erdenechuluun
AU  - Tserendolgor Dugargaramjav
Y1  - 2025/06/12
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251403.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251403.12
T2  - International Journal of Materials Science and Applications
JF  - International Journal of Materials Science and Applications
JO  - International Journal of Materials Science and Applications
SP  - 67
EP  - 71
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2327-2643
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251403.12
AB  - In recent years, Mongolia has experienced a shortage of district heating sources and networks, primarily due to intensive construction, including apartment buildings. With urbanization and economic growth, new buildings are being built at a rapid pace, requiring connections to the district heating (DH) system. Recent data shows that the annual growth rate of heat consumption has increased by approximately 3 to 5 percent compared to previous periods. As a result, one of the key tasks for our energy sector is to implement a cost-saving policy to reduce heat losses in the distribution network. Additionally, around 30 percent of Ulaanbaatar's heating networks are outdated and cannot be swiftly replaced due to economic and time constraints. This paper focuses on experimental studies of heat losses within district heating (DH) systems' pipe networks. In these heat networks, various thermal insulating materials are used. Over time, the insulation around the pipelines deteriorates, and due to wear and environmental factors, it fails to meet technical requirements, leading to a significant increase in heat loss beyond calculated values. Effectively implementing energy efficiency in a district heating system requires a comprehensive understanding of the energy performance of the pipe networks, which can be achieved through energy audit techniques. Using a drone equipped with a thermal camera, we assessed pipeline heat loss and damage in real-time and dynamic conditions. Additionally, we compared different pipeline insulation materials and conducted feasibility studies on utilizing high-density pre-insulated polyurethane foam insulation boards. Our proposal indicates that the heat loss from the insulation panels will be 1.7 times lower than the reference value, resulting in a 30% energy saving, as confirmed by both technical and economic calculations.

VL  - 14
IS  - 3
ER  -

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Author Information

Chantsaldulam Erdenechuluun

Energy Regulatory Commission, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0000-8552-1822
Tserendolgor Dugargaramjav

Faculty of Graduate Studies, Power Engineering School, Mongolian University of Science and Technology, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0001-2441-318X

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Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Erdenechuluun, C., Dugargaramjav, T. (2025). Energy-efficient Thermal Insulation Material for District Heating Pipelines. International Journal of Materials Science and Applications, 14(3), 67-71. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251403.12

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ACS Style

Erdenechuluun, C.; Dugargaramjav, T. Energy-efficient Thermal Insulation Material for District Heating Pipelines. Int. J. Mater. Sci. Appl. 2025, 14(3), 67-71. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251403.12

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AMA Style

Erdenechuluun C, Dugargaramjav T. Energy-efficient Thermal Insulation Material for District Heating Pipelines. Int J Mater Sci Appl. 2025;14(3):67-71. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251403.12

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@article{10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251403.12,
  author = {Chantsaldulam Erdenechuluun and Tserendolgor Dugargaramjav},
  title = {Energy-efficient Thermal Insulation Material for District Heating Pipelines
},
  journal = {International Journal of Materials Science and Applications},
  volume = {14},
  number = {3},
  pages = {67-71},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251403.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251403.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijmsa.20251403.12},
  abstract = {In recent years, Mongolia has experienced a shortage of district heating sources and networks, primarily due to intensive construction, including apartment buildings. With urbanization and economic growth, new buildings are being built at a rapid pace, requiring connections to the district heating (DH) system. Recent data shows that the annual growth rate of heat consumption has increased by approximately 3 to 5 percent compared to previous periods. As a result, one of the key tasks for our energy sector is to implement a cost-saving policy to reduce heat losses in the distribution network. Additionally, around 30 percent of Ulaanbaatar's heating networks are outdated and cannot be swiftly replaced due to economic and time constraints. This paper focuses on experimental studies of heat losses within district heating (DH) systems' pipe networks. In these heat networks, various thermal insulating materials are used. Over time, the insulation around the pipelines deteriorates, and due to wear and environmental factors, it fails to meet technical requirements, leading to a significant increase in heat loss beyond calculated values. Effectively implementing energy efficiency in a district heating system requires a comprehensive understanding of the energy performance of the pipe networks, which can be achieved through energy audit techniques. Using a drone equipped with a thermal camera, we assessed pipeline heat loss and damage in real-time and dynamic conditions. Additionally, we compared different pipeline insulation materials and conducted feasibility studies on utilizing high-density pre-insulated polyurethane foam insulation boards. Our proposal indicates that the heat loss from the insulation panels will be 1.7 times lower than the reference value, resulting in a 30% energy saving, as confirmed by both technical and economic calculations.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Energy-efficient Thermal Insulation Material for District Heating Pipelines

AU  - Chantsaldulam Erdenechuluun
AU  - Tserendolgor Dugargaramjav
Y1  - 2025/06/12
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251403.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251403.12
T2  - International Journal of Materials Science and Applications
JF  - International Journal of Materials Science and Applications
JO  - International Journal of Materials Science and Applications
SP  - 67
EP  - 71
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2327-2643
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251403.12
AB  - In recent years, Mongolia has experienced a shortage of district heating sources and networks, primarily due to intensive construction, including apartment buildings. With urbanization and economic growth, new buildings are being built at a rapid pace, requiring connections to the district heating (DH) system. Recent data shows that the annual growth rate of heat consumption has increased by approximately 3 to 5 percent compared to previous periods. As a result, one of the key tasks for our energy sector is to implement a cost-saving policy to reduce heat losses in the distribution network. Additionally, around 30 percent of Ulaanbaatar's heating networks are outdated and cannot be swiftly replaced due to economic and time constraints. This paper focuses on experimental studies of heat losses within district heating (DH) systems' pipe networks. In these heat networks, various thermal insulating materials are used. Over time, the insulation around the pipelines deteriorates, and due to wear and environmental factors, it fails to meet technical requirements, leading to a significant increase in heat loss beyond calculated values. Effectively implementing energy efficiency in a district heating system requires a comprehensive understanding of the energy performance of the pipe networks, which can be achieved through energy audit techniques. Using a drone equipped with a thermal camera, we assessed pipeline heat loss and damage in real-time and dynamic conditions. Additionally, we compared different pipeline insulation materials and conducted feasibility studies on utilizing high-density pre-insulated polyurethane foam insulation boards. Our proposal indicates that the heat loss from the insulation panels will be 1.7 times lower than the reference value, resulting in a 30% energy saving, as confirmed by both technical and economic calculations.

VL  - 14
IS  - 3
ER  -

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