The effects of the new Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG) were the topic of the ZVO's free online format. The 40 participants in the online dialog mainly came from electroplating and coating companies and wanted to know what the Energy Efficiency Act means for their business.
EnEfG in electroplating plants
The EnEfG came into force at the end of November 2023 and deadlines for the transfer and avoidance of waste heat are now beginning. In surface technology, a large proportion of waste heat is usually centralized in the exhaust air system. The webinar explained how to apply the EnEfG in electroplating and that heat recovery can be the key to waste heat recovery in electroplating.
Obligations and opportunities
Marius Heiland, Calorplast Wärmetechnik, and Frank Fischer, Tribicon, explained the challenges of the new EnEfG, such as administrative, technological and financial requirements. The opportunities were also mentioned: heat recovery (HR) can maximize energy efficiency. The technology for waste heat recovery in electroplating is well known and tried and tested. Most new systems are already equipped with a heat recovery unit. The thermal situation and operating times are already recorded here and thus provide sufficient information for the required waste heat reporting. Older systems with heat recovery can be retrofitted with more efficient heat exchangers to increase efficiency. Retrofitting a heat recovery system to older systems may require a conversion of the ventilation system, but government subsidies and high savings in energy costs make such measures more attractive.