The influence of pipe diameter selection on operating costs of heating installation in the context of the anticipated increase in electricity prices

Abstract

The article presents an analysis of the influence of selection a pipe diameter on the operating costs of a heating installation in the context of the expected increase in electricity charges required to motive the main circulation pump of the installation. As a result of a combination of several factors affecting the Polish energy sector based on coal, energy price increases seem inevitable. Polish government’s response to the forecasted increases in charges for electricity is a proposal to introduce subsidies for electricity bills. The article presents the results of the analysis of pipe selection from several standard types, including investment and operating costs, and a comparison of results before and after the increase in electricity charges and including the influence of limescale precipitation on the internal surfaces of pipe walls. The results analyzes show that the increase in charges for electricity affects the selection of the pipe diameter, like the problem of the formation of limescale can significantly reduce the efficiency of the installation and in extreme cases, can lead to a complete stop of installation.