DIN/TS 12831-1:2020-04

Method for calculating the design heat load – National supplements to DIN EN 12831-1

DIN/TS 12831-1 supplements DIN EN 12831-1 with national specifications for the calculation of room and building heat loads. It brings together the previous national supplementary sheets on heat load calculation in a single document, creating a uniform basis for the design of heating systems in new and existing buildings. The Technical Specification helps planners determine heat loads in a transparent and standards-compliant manner.

What is DIN/TS 12831-1 about?

The Technical Specification defines national requirements for applying heat load calculation in accordance with DIN EN 12831-1. It describes input variables, calculation parameters and methods for determining room and building heat loads. In addition to the detailed standard method, it also covers simplified methods for existing buildings and approaches for estimating heat load based on consumption and heat meter data. It also includes national specifications for thermal bridges, ventilation heat losses, climate data and reheating allowances.

Topics covered

• Calculation of room and building heat load
• Standard method according to DIN EN 12831-1
• Simplified heat load methods for existing buildings
• Thermal bridges and heat losses to the ground
• Ventilation heat losses, air change rates and airtightness
• Climate data and design indoor temperatures
• Reheating allowances for intermittently reduced heating operation
• Heat load estimation based on consumption and heat meter data
• Forms, calculation examples and U-value determination

Practical relevance

The heat load is a key basis for sizing radiators, underfloor heating systems, heat generators and heat distribution networks. DIN/TS 12831-1 supports specialist planners, energy consultants and heating contractors in determining reliable heat loads and avoiding over- or undersizing.

Particularly relevant are the national specifications for thermal bridge allowances, airtightness, simplified methods for existing buildings and the additional methods for estimating heat load based on available consumption data. This makes the Technical Specification suitable for both new construction projects and the modernization of existing buildings.

Changes compared with DIN EN 12831 Supplement 1, Supplement 2 and Supplement 3

With DIN/TS 12831-1, the previous national supplements to heat load calculation have been consolidated into one document. The Technical Specification replaces:

• DIN EN 12831 Beiblatt 1:2008-07
• DIN EN 12831 Beiblatt 1 Berichtigung 1:2010-11
• DIN EN 12831 Beiblatt 2:2012-05

• DIN EN 12831 Beiblatt 3:2016-12

In addition, the methods have been adapted to the current DIN EN 12831-1:2017-09, and the climate data to be applied for heat load calculation have been updated.

Target group

• Specialist planners for heating and building services engineering
• Energy consultants
• Building services engineers
• Experts in energy-related building assessment
• Heating contractors
• Manufacturers of heating systems
• Housing companies and building operators
• Engineering and planning offices

Conclusion

DIN/TS 12831-1 provides the key national requirements for applying heat load calculation in accordance with DIN EN 12831-1. By consolidating the previous supplementary sheets, updating climate data and adding methods for estimating heat load, it supports the practical and standards-compliant design of modern heating systems in new and existing buildings.

This document replaces DIN EN 12831 Beiblatt 1:2008-07 , DIN EN 12831 Beiblatt 2:2012-05 , DIN EN 12831 Beiblatt 3:2016-12 .