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8% increase in boiler efficiency helps – Minibems can guarantee 70% efficiency across the heat network

Following a recent Guardian newspaper column that touched upon flow temperatures and boiler optimisation. We thought it would be a good time to discuss the efficiencies we can achieve on heat networks.


Following on from a recent LinkedIn post [link to post (when posted link will be added)] we put together concerning flow temperatures and boiler optimisation making headlines in the Guardian and The Times newspapers. We thought it would be a good time to shout about the efficiencies we can achieve on heat networks (we don’t need much of an opportunity to go on about how efficient our heat networks are (we really are the perfect dinner guest)).

Minibems takes a different approach, it is not ground-breaking, but it is different than the norm. We look at heat networks from user demand through to plant room heat source. Meaning the entire system is set-up to create only the heat that is needed at that moment. This switch in perspective helps us to achieve 70% efficiency through the network. We call this the Hierarchy of heat.

We use 24/7 real-time data to manage demand and unlock guaranteed performance on even low temperature networks. This enables Minibems to deliver high performance heat networks that decarbonise and save our customers money.

By working in real-time to proportionally control the heat going in, Minibems matches heat supply with real-time user demand by varying the flow rate. Our Dynamic flow control reacts to the network demands to deliver efficient heat all year round.

High performance, low temperature heat networks exist and Minibems has delivered them across the UK.
We are the only company that does this.


How do we achieve a 70% efficient heat network

Our solution is always based upon meeting demand at the lowest amount of energy used.

Dynamic – real-time control

Dynamic manages the flow rate and temperature in real-time to maximise efficiency, reduce fuel usage and cut carbon. Software controls all elements of the network, it can decrease flow rates by more than half whilst keeping homes warm and hot water on.

Dynamic can resolve any poor performing parts of a heat network and each individual unit is automatically monitored and updated to improve performance in real-time.

Telematic – the difference is the data

Telematic allows visibility of the entire heat network, giving data that allows comprehensive remote monitoring, diagnosis, and management of the system, enabling on the spot efficiencies.

Performance, targets, reports & system management – granular understanding of the heat network

We measure success in heat network performance and are the only provider that provides an efficiency guarantee. Our state-of-the-art system provides day-to-day management of the entire heat network, including financial performance, performance management and reporting.

Our managed service is provided through our package of software, hardware and technical expertise that delivers tangible cost savings.

Control is key

Minibems provides control across the entire system. Through our Touch (residents home control) and Connect (energy controller) we can initiative small and large control actions instantly to HIU’s, CIU’s, valves, pumps, meters and other devices and hardware.

Weather compensation

Takes into account outside temperatures to balance out heat production to meet demand. One example of weather compensation benefits – if it is summer and warm, the home will stay at the desired temperature for longer, if it is winter, the home will cool quicker. We modulate the flow and temperature to compensate for outside temperatures. This is a solution born from a focus on user and home demand, rather than heat production. Weather compensation is well researched and studied (there are loads of papers), and its benefits are crucial to achieving efficiencies.

Machine learning

By beginning with demand, we can initiate routine-based learning across the entire system. User demand fluctuates through 24 hours, aiding our Dynamic initiatives through the system. Predictive analytics has been added to the Minibems software, aiding performance.


To summarise – Minibems achieves 70% efficiency via:

  • Heat hierarchy – start with demand
  • Dynamic – flow and temperature reduction software
  • Telematic – visibility of the system providing data
  • Performance initiatives, targets, reports and system management – allowing us to understand the heat network
  • Control – via Minibems products to achieve what the understanding and data provide, actioning Dynamic requests
  • Weather compensation – balancing systems demand to outside temperatures
  • Machine learning – predictive routine-based efficiency schemes

Minibems is focused on heat network efficiency, but, we also tackle maintenance costs through our Telematic service, metering and billing with our Minipay service. 

Get in touch to see what Minibems can achieve on your district or communal heating network to residents, please call us on 01202 122 520

Latest news

Minibems delivers equivalent carbon savings to converting a petrol car to an electric car, for twenty times less capital cost

Reducing our carbon footprint is typically an expensive task requiring extensive capital investment. However installing Minibems onto a heat network typically saves 1 tonne of carbon, per annum, for every apartment it’s fitted into.

Minibems can reduce residents heat tariffs by as much as 22 pence per kWh

With gas prices soaring the opportunity for real and tangible cost savings on heat networks has never been greater.

Cut the carbon in your heat network today

Minibems can cut an average of 1 tonne of carbon emissions per home per annum – saving you money too. By controlling each apartment with our unique and patented Dynamic flow control system we achieve the savings by optimising flow rates through your HIU.

Cut your heat network costs with Minibems

As finance managers across the UK know, managing budgets is a weekly challenge during these unprecedented times for energy price hikes. This isn’t just bad news for those in charge of managing operational budgets for heat networks, it’s also bad news for families.

Interested in finding out how we can optimise your heat network?

Contact Minibems today