Heat Networks in Low-Density Suburbs: Systematic Review of Viability Thresholds

Authors

  • Hubert Hafellner Centre for Thermal Networks, Pongau Institute of Smart Infrastructure, St Johann, Austria Author
  • Bronwen Trewhitt Department of Energy Systems, Humber Centre for Built Environment Research, Hull, United Kingdom Author
  • Georgia Tsagaris Department of Infrastructure Economics, Achaea Institute of Smart Infrastructure, Aigio, Greece Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22662609

Keywords:

Heat Networks in Low-Density Suburbs; Smart infrastructure; Evidence synthesis; Asset management; Structural health monitoring

Abstract

Heat Networks in Low-Density Suburbs is an area of active development in smart and resilient infrastructure engineering, with
evidence that has accumulated unevenly across its component questions. We review the current evidence base for heat networks in
low-density suburbs, spanning methodological, implementation, governance, and cost dimensions, focusing on where practice has
converged and where it continues to vary, and set out the practical considerations relevant to an agency considering its adoption.
We conclude that selective, context-specific use is best supported by the evidence currently available, rather than uniform
adoption or avoidance.

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Castellani R, Ristic C, et al. "Heat Networks in Low-Density Suburbs: a laboratory study". J Clean Prod 32(2014): 432-443. DOI: 10.1093/medlaw/fwad013

Dumitrescu A, Andric D, et al. "Heat Networks in Low-Density Suburbs: a case study". Renew Sustain Energy Rev 34(2017): 443-455. DOI: 10.2196/89834

Eriksdottir B, Brankovic E, et al. "Heat Networks in Low-Density Suburbs: a reliability analysis". J Bridge Eng 36(2020): 454-467. DOI: 10.1007/s10916-024-02104-9

Farkas I, Ionescu F, et al. "Heat Networks in Low-Density Suburbs: a life-cycle assessment". Smart Cities 38(2023): 465-479. DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2026.1896184

Grabowski P, Petrescu G, et al. "Heat Networks in Low-Density Suburbs: a pilot deployment". IEEE Internet Things J 40(2014): 476-482. DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics15162117

Hendriksen W, Wojcik H, et al. "Heat Networks in Low-Density Suburbs: a review". J Water Resour Plan Manag 42(2017): 487-494. DOI: 10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_20_65

Ionescu F, Foscarini I, et al. "Heat Networks in Low-Density Suburbs: a comparative analysis". J Constr Eng Manag 44(2020): 498-506. DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2026.1763884

Jankowiak G, Grabowski J, et al. "Heat Networks in Low-Density Suburbs: a asset-management report". Sustain Cities Soc 46(2023): 509-518. DOI: 10.2196/48297

Kowalczyk N, Novotna K, et al. "Heat Networks in Low-Density Suburbs: a field monitoring study". Tunn Undergr Space Technol 8(2014): 520-530. DOI: 10.1007/s00330-025-12031-z

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Published

2026-09-03