Skip to main content

Use of waste heat

In February 2025, in cooperation with ONI Wärmetrafo GmbH, we defined further important steps towards optimising the heating systems and a climate-neutral heating concept for the 2033 climate neutrality project. The effective use of waste heat from the plastics injection moulding shop in all production halls for heating support will serve as the basis for the measures to be taken.

Optimisation of heating distribution systems

In order to transport the new waste heat volume, the existing heat recovery pump from 2006 is to be replaced with a powerful, frequency-controlled pump. In addition, larger pipelines (DN 200) are required for a more efficient heat distribution. Finally, new ventilation units with Modbus-compatible balancing valves will be used for automatic hydraulic balancing in order to optimally match the supplied heat to the heat demand of the individual halls and rooms.

Already implemented:

  • Replacement of the outdated heat recovery pump (year of manufacture 2006) with a frequency-controlled, more powerful pump
  • Feed-in of up to 450 kW of waste heat (peak) in the existing heating concept – corresponds to approx. 40 % of the planned future area

Future-oriented heating concept

As the project progresses, a concept will be developed that provides for covering the heat demand without fossil fuels. The main focus will be on heat pumps that use energy from the air or water. As water-source heat pumps have a higher efficiency, we will initially check whether permits for geothermal probes or well drilling can be obtained. In addition, we will investigate into the possibility of integrating other economically viable waste heat potentials (e.g. compressor waste heat) into the new heating system. Another option to be examined is whether the surplus waste heat from the injection moulding machines can be stored underground during the summer or supplied to the town of Güglingen to help heat the outdoor swimming pool. Feeding the heat into the planned local heating network is also conceivable – this will be investigated as part of the municipal heat plan. Such measures could significantly reduce the electricity and water consumption of machine cooling systems.

Next steps:

  • Trial drilling to calculate possible heat extraction rates and planning of the geothermal probes
  • Replacement of existing fans in the assembly halls with more powerful units. This measure is also intended to minimise the feeling of draughts above the workstations.
  • Installation of further new ventilation units in the prefabrication, goods receiving, and tool and equipment design and construction departments.