Heating reverse return (Tichelmann)

Heating reverse return, also called Tichelmann, is used in order to not need balancing or commissioning. The distance measured from the pump through the end units and back to the pump is the same for all the different end units. The end units closer to the pump have a longer return pipe than those farther away from the pump. This ensures uniform resistance and the same flow rate through each end unit.

On this page, you will find an explainer about how to correctly use heating reverse return.

Example: Using heating reverse return

Our example exists of a boiler, a pump and 4 radiators with TRVs which are connected by the heating reverse return pipes.

All the BCs need to be connected to the standard two heating pipes otherwise, you might get the following error:

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The pump needs to be connected to two heating pipes and the heating reverse return needs to be connected to those two heating pipes. This will look like this:

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The end units also require to be connected to two heating pipes. This brings us following hydraulic schematic:

To finish the heating reverse return circuit, you have to add another reverse return node behind the furthest connection of the plant room. Otherwise, this will not work as a reverse return pipe. This gives us the following circuit:

If you then add the correct controls and zones, your system looks like the following picture: