E.ON and Orcan Energy bring climate protection to the “Glass Cathedral” designed by Walter Gropius

 

• Innovative ORC project for the Amberg Crystal Glass Factory
• Combining Bauhaus architecture and modern energy technology for sustainable industrial production
• Reduction of CO₂ emissions using industrial waste heat for electricity generation

Amberg. World-renowned architecture meets innovative technology: E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions and Orcan Energy have jointly commissioned a state-of-the-art ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle) system in the 'Glass Cathedral' by Walter Gropius, the production site of Kristall-Glasfabrik Amberg GmbH & Co. KG. This innovative process optimizes energy consumption in the energy-intensive glass production and reduces the CO₂ emissions of the manufacturing company. The listed industrial building from 1970, one of the last projects by Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius, is thus being prepared for sustainable glass production in the future.

Approximately 23 million high-quality goblets and crystal glasses are produced annually as tableware at Kristall-Glasfabrik Amberg GmbH. In order to make glass production, which is associated with a high energy demand of around 70 gigawatt hours, more efficient in future, an innovative waste heat recovery system based on the so-called ORC process has now been installed.

The ORC system converts the waste heat generated during the production process into electrical energy. The electricity produced can be used directly on-site without the need for additional fuel. This enables an integrated and resilient energy supply that contributes to the stability and efficiency of the overall system.

"Reusing the energy generated during production instead of releasing it unused into the environment is a significant progression in extending the value chain. It combines modern technology with influential German architecture from the 20th century in this historic setting. The most challenging task of implementation was the planning process: the construction of the project had to be carried out within a six-week timeframe during the so-called 'tank revision'. This renewal of the glass melting tank takes place every twelve years – timing was of particular importance," says Christopher Link, project manager at E.ON.

"The joint project with E.ON and Kristall-Glasfabrik Amberg GmbH impressively demonstrates how ORC solutions can be used to increase energy efficiency and make industrial processes such as glass production more sustainable," summarizes Markus Lintl, Sales Director Europe at Orcan.

 

Utilization of Waste Heat as a Key to Energy Efficiency

For the production process, the glass tank is continuously heated to a melting temperature of nearly 1,500 degrees. This generates hot exhaust gases, whose energy has previously remained unused. With the help of a heat exchanger, this waste heat is transferred to a glycol/water mixture, which heats an organic fluid and then evaporates within the ORC system. The resulting steam drives an expansion machine, which generates electricity with the help of a generator. After electricity generation, the steam is condensed in the condenser and returned to the cycle.

 

Contact

Saskia Burzynski
E-Mail: press@orcan-energy.com

 

About E.ON

E.ON is one of Europe's largest energy companies and a leader in energy networks, energy infrastructure solutions and energy sales. With a distribution network of 1.6 million kilometers and around 47 million customers, E.ON plays a central role in an increasingly CO2-free, digital and decentralized energy world. To actively shape Europe's green transformation, E.ON is investing heavily in a future-proof energy infrastructure and sustainable customer solutions. Around 77,000 employees strive every day to make new energy work.

E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions (EIS) is one of the three strategic pillars of E.ON and a European leader in integrated, sustainable energy solutions for cities and industries. EIS is committed to delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy. Operating in several European countries, EIS combines strong engineering expertise with deep market knowledge to develop solutions tailored to local needs. Its service portfolio spans the entire value chain—from planning and construction to the operation and optimization of energy generation and distribution infrastructure.

For more information, please visit www.eon.com