KLINGER Gebetsroither provided shut-off valves, check valves, drain valves and air relief valves for the backbone of Vienna’s district heating system – an active contribution to protect the climate.
This exchange could not be more symbolic: Where previously there were two oil tanks for generating heat, there is now a “giant water heater”. This is the affectionate name of the new “Power-2-Heat” system at the Spittelau waste incineration plant in Vienna, which has been in operation since summer 2022. It replaces a fossil fuel combustion system with two instantaneous water heaters that generate district heating from excess green electricity – and also contribute to the stabilization of the power grid. Wien Energie has thus taken a step closer to moving away from fossil fuels. Know-how and components from KLINGER Gebetsroither were significantly involved in this strong move for climate protection.
Contacts mentioned in the article:
Markus Fuchs, Product manager und Key Account Manager at KLINGER Gebetsroither
Copyright: Wien Energie
From tender to commissioning
“All shut-off valves, check valves, drain valves and air relief valves come from KLINGER,” explains Anna Gantner, the project manager of the 4.9 million euro undertaking by Wien Energie. When she was responsible for the tender for the project in spring 2019, all prerequisites pointed to the use of KLINGER products: they are ideal for use in primary district heating networks, pipes under high pressure and temperatures of up to 155 degrees Celsius.
„KLINGER components have already proven themselves in use in district heating projects.“
Anna Gantner, Project Manager District Heating at Wien Energie
Project management with sophisticated interconnection
Markus Fuchs, Sales Engineer and Product Manager at KLINGER Gebetsroither, was responsible for project management. For him, it was a “very interesting project with a sophisticated system of valves” that he had to oversee.
„The biggest challenge was to combine all the trades in such a way that something good came out of it.“
Markus Fuchs, Product manager und Key Account Manager at KLINGER Gebetsroither
There were no major difficulties from design to tender to delivery – thanks to good advance planning and the already proven collaboration with Wien Energie’s Decarbonized Heat Generation Assets (ANT) department. “I could call Markus Fuchs at any time and immediately got the information I needed. For example, there was the thing with the Brauner valve, a combined butterfly valve that is used specifically in district heating. I really felt well advised,” confirms Gantner the smooth cooperation.
Further waste heat projects at Wien Energie
Their department work in the service of climate protection: Gantner never loses sight of the main goal of decarbonizing the district heating network, and not only with the Power-2-Heat system. “KLINGER valves are also often used for heat pump systems in particular, for example when waste heat is to be used,” says the process engineer. She has also used KLINGER products for smaller systems, for example a heat pump at the Therme Oberlaa.
Fact box
Did you know …
- … that the two instantaneous water heaters each provide 5 megawatts of power? For comparison: a regular water heater only manages two kilowatts. So, you would need 2,500 small water heaters to achieve the output of one of the giant instantaneous water heaters.
- … that a usable area for urban farming has been created on the roof of the power-to-heat plant? Between raised beds and shrubs, Wien Energie employees can plant tomatoes, peppers or herbs together. Beehives ensure pollination and thus a sustainable ecosystem.
