Energy savings and recovery
Accomplishing more with less energy
To preserve the environment and resources for us and future generations, the first and most important contribution we have to make is to save energy and avoid all unnecessary consumption. Economical motors, heat insulation and a conscious handling of energy all help to accomplish this.
But we cannot completely refrain from using energy this is unrealistic. Hence, we have to make the most efficient use of the energy we need.
Energy in processes is not always used up completely where it is employed, be that in the industry or in the private sector. This is especially true for heating. As a rule, residual heat remains, and it can be utilised for other purposes through intelligent engineering. Recycling energy from wastewater is such a technology, one which enables energy to be recovered and, thus, better utilised.
Almost half is lost!
Efficiently utilising our sources of energy is an important topic, since nearly a quarter of our energy is lost through conversion. The higher the amount of useful energy is which can be attained with the same amount of primary energy the higher the targeted effectivity is, and, as a rule, also the lower the amount of CO² released.
Energy use in private households
In our households we use energy primarily for heating, warm water and illumination. On account of this, 130 liters per person make their way into our sewage systems daily. In the end, the energy consumption depends on the number of households, and these have increased since 1990 by 4 million, with the tendency increasing further.
Utilising energy in the industry and trade
The industry and trade heats space and uses warm water as well, if in other proportions as compared to private households. Energy is also lost here via wastewater, which can be sensibly recovered and reused.
The potential is enormous
There are two ways to produce environmentally friendly energy. One relies upon natural energy sources: wind, solar and hydroelectric power. The other, however, recycles energy intelligently that energy which remains as residual after the initial energy is used.
It is also still warm when is disappears down the drain!
In daily life, but also in production processes, we utilise much energy to produce warm water. At 5 percent of total consumption, this is a remarkable amount, especially since after the energy is used, much residual heat flows unused into the sewage system.
The source of energy lies directly below us.
Wastewater is produced wherever humans live and work. It is collected in canals and led to wastewater treatment plants. If energy from wastewater is to be used, minimum amounts are required in order to be cost-effective. These are, however, quickly reached.
Reasonably priced and environmentally friendly at the same time
Heat pumps function according to the same principle as our refrigerators, only in the other direction. Temperatures of up to 60 degrees Celsius can be reached using heat pumps. In this respect, the pumps need less electricity than would be required to conventionally heat the water. This is what makes heat pumps so efficient.
