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A new era of energy: district heating and cooling that uses CO2
CategoriesSustainable News

A new era of energy: district heating and cooling that uses CO2

By Zarkon Group,

Spotted: Almost 25 per cent of the energy produced worldwide is used to heat and cool homes and commercial buildings. And the process of generating this energy is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. District heating and cooling systems are one potential solution. These generate heat centrally and distribute it across a network of buildings in the same neighbourhood, which is more efficient than heating or cooling buildings individually. Usually, such systems use water to transfer heat, but now, Swiss cleantech startup ExerGo is using CO2 as an energy transfer fluid for its closed-loop system.

The CO2 is the basis of a thermal network powered by renewable resources and waste heat. By using liquid and vapour CO2 as a working fluid, the system increases energy transport efficiency over conventional water-based systems. This greater efficiency, in turn, allows for the use of small and more flexible piping, which can save up to 60 per cent in installation costs and time, while reducing noise and air pollution. ExerGo claims that its compact network can save up to 80 per cent in primary energy consumption over comparable fossil fuel-based systems.

In October last year, ExerGo won the European Heat Pump Association‘s Heat Pump City of the Year Award for the successful implementation of its technology in Sion, Switzerland.

Springwise has spotted other technologies that are helping to decarbonise the energy-intensive cooling and heating systems used around the world, including a heat pump that is powered by sound and affordable geothermal heating and cooling systems.

Written By: Lisa Magloff

Reference

Heating commercial real estate with geothermal power
CategoriesSustainable News

Heating commercial real estate with geothermal power

By Zarkon Group,

Spotted: Geothermal energy is one of the most energy-efficient methods for providing HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) for businesses and communities alike. But the problem that has traditionally faced geothermal power is the high upfront cost of establishing boreholes to tap into this energy in the ground, especially in contrast to other readily available energy infrastructure. And for tall commercial properties or apartment blocks, traditional geothermal systems have also not been able to provide enough energy to heat or power the entire building. This is where US startup Bedrock Energy comes in. 

The company has developed new autonomous drilling and subsurface modelling technology that allows borefield construction to be around three times quicker and cheaper. Crucially, unlike existing boreholes, which are often drilled 300 to 800 feet below the Earth’s surface, Bedrock drills 2,000 feet underground where the temperatures are much hotter. 

Because of this, the company reduces the number of boreholes required for a project – from as much as 28 down to just eight – meaning tall commercial buildings with limited land space can still make use of this abundant energy source for their heating and cooling systems.  

Using its advanced algorithms, Bedrock can accurately predict the energy transfer to buildings from the geothermal site. The company then specially designs a project’s geothermal loop field to optimise borehole location for the best long-term energy returns.  

Bedrock is ready to start deploying to commercial projects soon and is currently working on a pilot project. The company recently raised $8.5 million (around €7.9 million) in seed funding, which will be used to help accelerate the manufacturing and deployment of its technology. 

Many more innovators are recognising the potential of geothermal energy, and Springwise has also spotted one company that’s using Kenya’s geothermal resources to power direct air capture as well as a system that makes geothermal less water-intensive.

Written By: Archie Cox

Reference

Decarbonising domestic heating at scale
CategoriesSustainable News

Decarbonising domestic heating at scale

By Zarkon Group,

The International Environment Agency (IEA) considers heat pumps to be a central technology in the bid to decarbonise the way homes are heated, estimating that they could reduce global CO2 emissions by at least 500 million tonnes by 2030 – equal to all the cars in Europe today.

In the UK, domestic heating and air conditioning contribute around 14 per cent of the UK’s total carbon emissions, with the majority of UK homes – roughly 85 per cent – using gas boilers. In order to meet the UK’s net-zero goal, it’s estimated that 29 million homes will need to replace fossil fuel-powered heating systems by 2050 – a target that the UK government is not on track to meet.

But heat pumps have suffered from bad press in the UK, with critics often citing cost as a prohibitive factor to mass adoption. Cornish firm Kensa, the only company in the UK currently manufacturing ground source heat pumps, is hoping to change the narrative. Its system harnesses solar energy stored underground. Ground source heat pumps extract heat via loops of submerged pipes filled with a heat transfer fluid. The pump upgrades the energy into usable heat or reverses the process for cooling, storing the heat back in the ground until it’s needed.

In order to make this an affordable solution that works in areas with higher population densities, Kensa has worked in partnership with local authorities in Cornwall, Gravesend in Kent, and Thurrock in Essex to drill boreholes and install heat pumps in built-up areas, including high-rise towers. This ability to install shared systems, where the infrastructure is buried in the street and connects to multiple homes is – the company says – the 21st-century equivalent to the gas grid, and a way to positively impact the 3 million people living in fuel poverty in the UK. It keeps the costs of implementation down in tandem with reducing emissions – and that’s a win for everyone.

Video and article credit: RE:TV

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Four Heating & Cooling Myths Costing You Money
CategoriesSustainable News Zero Energy Homes

Four Heating & Cooling Myths Costing You Money

By Zarkon Group,

Record-high utility prices have homeowners eager for short- and long-term solutions to reduce costs and improve the efficiency and value of their home. Operating an HVAC system takes the largest toll on energy use in most homes and drives up utility bills. And it’s absolutely crucial to the occupants’ comfort. Debunking a few common heating and cooling myths reveals ways to lower energy costs and lessen the impacts of climate change.

MYTH #1
My other appliances don’t impact how well my HVAC works

Shocked sad young man surprised and stressed as read utility bill, holding eyeglassesMost appliances and tools use energy even when not in active use. Items that require a lot of energy to operate (e.g., dryer, dishwasher, EV charger) increase a home’s peak load, i.e., how much electricity it needs to pull from the local grid at a given moment. Running several energy-intensive or inefficient appliances at once, particularly at a time when energy costs are high (summer afternoons, for instance) can not only trigger higher bills and strain the grid, but also cause the appliances themselves to run less efficiently.

Look up your utility’s rate schedule to understand when costs and demand are high, and try to plan around these windows. Not every task can be completed overnight, but waiting to charge your EV or run the dishwasher will help you avoid peak pricing and keep other appliances and systems, like HVAC, more efficient and effective.

Whole home energy monitoring devices and platforms provide a deeper understanding of how energy is being used and wasted in your home. These are available at a variety of price points and identifying simple actions that could lower utility bills may make that upfront cost worth it! In the same way, upgrading to smart appliances with advanced technology and those with ENERGY STAR certifications could prove worthwhile investments in the long term.

MYTH #2
I won’t notice a difference in energy costs with a smart thermostat

Green tech- Smart thermostat can save money and energy

The US Energy Information Administration estimates that HVAC operations account for over 50% of home energy use. That’s a large portion of your utility bill and an area where even small changes to your habits can make a big difference.

Smart thermostats have grown in popularity in recent years. These devices are designed to take the guesswork out of saving energy while also keeping your home comfortable. Many come with suggested eco-friendly settings or profiles that run automatically and will raise or lower your set temperature during portions of the day to maintain efficiency and keep costs low.

Even just upgrading from a traditional thermostat to one that allows for programmable digital temperature controls can help lower costs over time. While you may not notice an immediate difference on your next bill, the consistent changes will reduce costs and preserve the health of your HVAC system. For instance, setting a thermostat back 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day can lower utility bill costs by 10% annually.

MYTH #3
Relying on space heaters in drafty parts of my home is more efficient

Halogen or infrared heater in action against wooden floor - photo

Space heaters are notoriously inefficient and expensive to run. If you’re bringing in space heaters to keep areas of your home warm while your heating is also running, you have a larger weatherization problem. Drafts come from improper or worn sealing on doors and windows, in attics and even around electrical outlets. Cranking up your heat or plugging in those space heaters is not a long-term fix and will cost you more over time as heat continues to escape in these places.

The same goes for summer. If you find yourself turning to window or wall units and additional fans because your central air conditioning isn’t up to the job, insulation issues are to blame.

Addressing these issues can be simple. Look for DIY weather-sealing solutions like adhesive barrier tape that can be applied to windows and doors. A professional home energy audit may also come in handy here if initial repairs don’t do the trick. These assessments can cost as little as $100 to $150 and identify places where larger, planned repairs can lead to terrific cost savings over time. According to the EPA, air sealing and insulation upgrades in attics, crawlspaces, and basement rim joists can save homeowners an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs.

MYTH #4
Setting my thermostat higher/lower will heat/cool my home more quickly

Young woman comfortable near air conditioner at home

Maintaining a consistent, eco-friendly temperature is always the smarter choice for energy efficiency and the health of your HVAC system. The DOE recommends a set point of 68 degrees during winter months and 78 degrees for summer. While it can be tempting to bump the temperature down several degrees on a hot day when you’re returning home from running errands and craving a blast of cool air, doing so will not cool your home faster and, in fact, a lot of energy can be wasted in the process.

Even if you want variation in your home’s climate throughout the day—keeping things cooler at night or warmer on winter days when you work from home, for instance—try to stick to a schedule and consistent set points when you do make changes. This is another instance where a smart thermostat with automated and programmable options can help you save energy and reduce bills by sticking to your plan. No matter what type of thermostat you’re using, you can also look to fans, shades, dehumidifiers, and other tools to help maintain comfortable temperatures in your home.

Easing the path to savings

To begin addressing these myths, you simply need to commit to behavioral changes that require little to no financial investment. There are also larger upgrades and projects, including installing renewable energy technologies and storage to lower a home’s carbon footprint and decrease utility costs over time. But that undertaking will always be preceded by an energy and weatherization audit and any needed improvements.

While many homeowners still may be unsure where to start, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) introduced last year extended a 30% tax credit for rooftop solar and energy storage, and expanded rebates and tax credits for a range of home improvements and technologies. By easing the point of entry for millions of homeowners, the IRA offers attractive options for bolstering home efficiency and value through clean energy.

The author:

Smiling clean-cut man in white collared shirt; Greg Fasullo headshot - photoGreg Fasullo is CEO of Elevation, a whole-home energy solutions company that provides energy efficiency repairs, solar panels, and energy consumption education across the country. 

 

Reference

New net-zero glass reduces heating costs
CategoriesSustainable News

New net-zero glass reduces heating costs

By Zarkon Group,

Spotted: The energy crisis is impacting everyone, and the situation has only gotten worse with the invasion of Ukraine. What has become apparent over the years is that as energy prices have risen, inefficient designs and techniques have played an increasingly big part in contributing to the financial costs of living and working in older buildings. For instance, a building with inefficient windows will lose around two-thirds of its heat through the glass.  

Now, a patent-pending innovation by LuxWall called Net Zero Glass reduces building carbon emissions and energy consumption by up to 45 per cent. The windows consist of two vacuum-insulated coated glass (VIG) panes that are installed from inside the building, making it much quicker and easier to retrofit as tenants experience minimal disruption.  

The panes act like a thermos bottle, reducing the transfer of heat and cool air via convection, conduction, and radiation. Heat from the sun’s rays is reflected, and HVAC conditions inside the structure are blocked from leaving the space.  

The company recently closed a Series A funding round that raised $33 million (around €30.8 million). The funds will be used to scale production at the business’s first purpose-built commercial factory. If the glass technology is used widely throughout the world, the company could support an annual global carbon emission reduction of more than half a gigatonne.  

Springwise has spotted window technology providing a range of new services, from Wi-Fi alternatives to nature scenes for rooms without access to natural light or green views.  

Written By: Keely Khoury

Reference

DF Creative Group transforms former heating plant into cultural centre
CategoriesArchitecture

DF Creative Group transforms former heating plant into cultural centre

By Zarkon Group,

Slovakian architecture studio DF Creative Group has converted a former heating plant in Bratislava into a cultural centre, complementing its industrial structure with a series of contemporary additions.

The heritage-listed Jurkovič Heating plant, originally designed in the 1940s by Dušan Jurkovič, was formerly part of the Apollo Refinery.

While the rest of the refinery was demolished, the former heating plant now sits at the centre of the Sky Park Masterplan by Zaha Hadid Architects, which completed its first phase in 2020.

Interior of Jurkovic Heating Plant transformation by DF Creative Group
DF Creative Group transformed the industrial building to contain workspaces

Following an invited competition, DF Creative Group, led by architect Martin Paško, was awarded the project to convert the plant into a space that would combine co-working offices with public exhibition, events and hospitality areas.

Looking to celebrate the original industrial structure of the plant, DF Creative Group approached its retrofit as the creation of distinct contemporary structures within its original, historic shell, organised around the full-height turbine hall at its centre.

Between the vast, exposed concrete volumes of the former hopper heaters, steel-link bridges and glass walls create new routes and lines of sight through the building.

Exterior of Jurkovic Heating Plant transformation by DF Creative Group
The historic exterior was maintained

“The architectural solution uses the void interior space in the boiler room and the turbine hall for the construction of new independent structures, while creating new areas and floors consistently offset from the original building,” explained the practice.

“This concept makes it possible to separate and distinguish historical constructions from new ones, while simultaneously embracing and respecting history and harmony,” it continued.

Interior of Jurkovic Heating Plant transformation by DF Creative Group
Office spaces were finished with contemporary details

The ground floor of the building has been reimagined as a “living square”, focused around a skylit atrium that extends the entire height and length of the building.

A restaurant, cafe, contemporary art gallery and multi-functional hall are all organised around the ground floor atrium, in between the existing columns of the original structure.

Above, five floors of co-working spaces occupy a newly-created glass envelope that overlooks the central void, with black steel-link bridges connecting spaces between the large concrete hoppers.

The office interiors have been finished with minimalist, contemporary detailing to create a contrast with the historic backdrop of the plant, with lighting fitted directly to existing trusses or walls and complemented by simple furniture and planting.

Interior of Jurkovic Heating Plant transformation by DF Creative Group
Steel bridges span across the turbine hall

“The intervention highlights many historical construction details, including the structure’s original rugged columns and three cominant hoppers,” explained the practice.

“The reconstruction created an original representative space with materials in their original ‘roughness’ and colour,” it continued.

Interior of Jurkovic Heating Plant transformation by DF Creative Group
The architecture studio wanted to showcase the building’s original structure

At the top of the building, a roof terrace provides visitors with views out over the newly developed Sky Park, where three new apartment towers by Zaha Hadid Architects sit within a green landscape.

“The new design is a symbol of the former plant, a symbol of Sky Park, and a symbol of the capital, Bratislava, itself,” said the practice.

Exterior of Jurkovic Heating Plant transformation in the Sky Park Masterplan
The project is located within Zaha Hadid Architects Sky Park Masterplan

The project is one of several recent schemes across the world transforming former power plants into new cultural spaces that celebrate their industrial heritage.

In China, ARCity Office adapted the concrete frame of a power plant into a new, glazed community hub, while in the UK, London’s iconic Battersea Power Station recently re-opened following its transformation into shops, offices and apartments.

Reference

Electrification of heating processes could eliminate up to 30 per cent of industrial emissions
CategoriesSustainable News

Electrification of heating processes could eliminate up to 30 per cent of industrial emissions

By Zarkon Group,

Spotted: The bulk of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions from industry are caused by just three sectors: petrochemicals and chemicals, iron and steel, and cement production. The reason these industries are so emissions-intensive is that they involve processes that require extremely high temperatures. Until recently, burning fossil fuels was the only way to achieve such levels of heat. But this is set to change.

Finnish engineering company Colbrook has developed ‘Roto Dynamic Heater’ (RDH) technology that uses electricity generated from renewable sources in place of fossil fuels in the highest-emitting industrial processes. The new technology can achieve process temperatures of up to 1700 degrees Celsius thanks to its high levels of energy efficiency. Such temperatures are sufficient to replace fossil fuel burning in processes where electrification was previously impossible.

The RDH technology is extremely compact, which means it can be retrofitted into existing facilities. And Colbrook estimates that if the technology was widely adopted, it could cut up to 30 per cent of industrial CO2 emissions.

“Today marks the beginning of a new industrial era,” Ilpo Kuokkanen, Executive Chairman of Coolbrook said when the RDH Technology was launched earlier this month. “We can roll out this revolutionary technology and achieve significant emission reductions in the most energy and CO2 intensive industrial processes,” he added.

The RDH technology Coolbrook is leveraging was developed over a decade by aerospace engineering and turbomachinery academics at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge in the UK, and the University of Ghent in Belgium. The technology recently completed a successful pilot project, and global building materials company CEMEX has announced that it aims to be the first commercial enterprise to incorporate it into its processes.

Other recent industrial emissions innovations spotted by Springwise include a nanonfiltration technology that reduces emissions from industrial chemical separation, solar-powered cement production, and the world’s first fossil-fuel-free steel.

Written by Matthew Hempstead

1st June 2022

Email: harri@coolbrook.com

Website: coolbrook.com

Reference

Thermally efficient t-shirts reduce the need for heating and air conditioning
CategoriesSustainable News

Thermally efficient t-shirts reduce the need for heating and air conditioning

By Zarkon Group,

Spotted: Materials science company LifeLabs has developed a new generation of thermally efficient textiles. Wearers of the company’s CoolLife t-shirts experience a continual reduction of body temperature by three degrees Fahrenheit. The fabric is recycled, engineered polyethylene, a material that is transparent to infrared wavelengths, allowing heat to easily flow away from the wearer.

Wearing the company’s CoolLife or WarmLife clothing can help to reduce reliance on cooling and heating systems, both of which contribute significant amounts of emissions. Continuous cooling of three degrees of body heat can make a huge difference throughout the day and night, making it easier to target the use of HVAC systems for limited amounts of time and at the most efficient rates. Indeed, LifeLabs suggests setting the thermostat two degrees warmer in the summer and two degrees cooler in the winter – this, the company claims, can save up to 153 pounds of carbon dioxide per person per year.

The brand’s in-house technology saves water, heat, steam, chemicals, and plastic through its dedicated sustainability processes that track the energy footprint of every article of clothing. The clothing is 74 per cent recycled content by fabric weight, and manufacturing improvements have reduced water consumption by 70 per cent. For packaging, the company uses reusable fabric garment bags and other environmentally friendly materials.

From cooperation amongst brands to leverage recycling technology at scale to collections embedded with climate change data, the fashion industry innovations Springwise is spotting are helping to make sustainability the norm. 

Written by: Keely Khoury

3rd May 2022

Email: help@lifelabs.design

Website: lifelabs.design

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