Insights 01/2020

INSIGHTS  Information from the Hoval Group | 01 | 2020

THE MAJOR REVOLUTION How new laws and regulations will protect our climate.

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Over the past few months, a 16-year-old girl from Sweden has captivated the general public and sparked emotions on climate protection. Whether you support Greta Thunberg’s work or not, there’s no denying that she has generated more interest in the subject of climate protection among the public and politicians than the entire heating sector has ever managed.

The speed at which politicians are now pushing decisions is astonishing. These decisions will have a long-term effect on our sector – but with our solutions, we at Hoval are well prepared for the new framework conditions. In this issue of Insights, we therefore want to give you an overview of the most significant regulations in several different countries.

However, the climate protection regulations do not just affect heat generators for fossil fuels. Change is also on the cards for the refrigerants used for heat pumps. Read about how Hoval is addressing this subject and the advantages that we will be able to offer to our customers with the new Belaria ® pro with propane, which is going to be introduced next year.

Unfortunately, when it comes to assessing gas, politicians often overlook the fact that this does not necessarily have to be a fossil fuel. More and more energy suppliers are providing the option to get biological gas. Gas boilers can therefore also be a practical solution when combined with a pellet boiler or a heat pump. As a result, Hoval is investing heavily in developing the UltraGas ® product line further.

The latest addition, which we will introduce in this issue, offers 1550 kW in extremely compact dimensions with the greatest efficiency levels.

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On the whole, the current discussion about climate change has also made end customers aware of climate protection and how they need to act sustainably. However, the question remains as to whether people are ultimately ready to buy environmentally friendly systems, which are often expensive.

This depends on government subsidies, in addition to customers’ personal attitudes and their financial situation. On top of this, it is also important for us and our partners to make the added value of our solutions completely transparent.

The partnerships and mutual trust that we have with our partners will become even more important in a world that is becoming increasingly digital. We need to show that we are ready to tread new paths to inspire our customers.

Next year, Hoval will be 75 years old. Our customers have been relying on us this entire time. Our longstanding motto is “Responsibility for energy and environment.�

We live in the best world that there has ever been. Life has never been better for humankind than it is now. To keep it that way, it is high time that we all take responsibility for energy and the environment together. We are ready!

Peter Gerner, Hoval Group Management Board Co-CEO

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06 | 4 | Insights 01-2020

10

16

20

06 The refrigerant revolution

18 1550 kW in an ultra-compact package

10 Regulations for the future

20 Busy for the bees

Learn why the refrigerant R410A is being replaced by propane and what design changes are required.

An overview of the new energy regulations in Europe and how they are implemented on a national level.

The new UltraGas ® (1550) for large buildings and heating networks only needs 3.3 m2 of floor space.

An apiary in Salzburg is raising awareness about bees. Find out why Hoval is supporting the project with an UltraGas ® system.

14 EPREL compares objectively

The new EPREL internet database objectively compares all units with an energy label. A useful source of information for end customers and more.

16 HovalConnect

An interview with Peter Schatte about the new web service platform for operating heating and comfort ventilation systems.

24 From Osaka to Vaduz

Learn about an exceptional partnership between Japan and Liechtenstein. And why MP Hirakawa is selling Hoval products in Japan.

26 The Clinicum Alpinum in Gaflei (Liechtenstein)

The Clinicum Alpinum sits high above the Rhine valley in the mountains. The special relationship with nature is also reflected in the CO2-neutral heating system.

30 1000 stations for 1000 holiday homes

The newest of six German Center Parcs is close to nature in the heart of the Allgäu region. The sophisticated sport, wellness and entertainment concept uses the very latest energy technologies.

32 Ideal indoor climate

30 TopVent ® and RoofVent ® units ensure a pleasant indoor climate at Salvagnini Maschinenbau.

34 75 years of Hoval – an overview

Get a little overview of Hoval’s anniversary and a quick reminder of how it all began.

1000 sta tions fo r 1000 ho liday ho mes

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The refrigerant

REVOLUTION Greenhouse gases are driving global warming and climate change. Very soon, refrigerants like R410A will need to be replaced with more ecological alternatives.

The replacement refrigerant, propane, requires fundamental design changes, such as more heat pumps installed outside.

GWP (global warming potential) of common refrigerants

1980

2000

1500

1300

1000

675

675

466

500

0

Banned from 2025: Refrigerants with GWP > 675

676

4

4

R1234ze R1234yf C3H2F4 C3H2F4

8

3

R723

R454B

R32 CH2F2

R410A

R 134a C2H2F4

R452B

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

*

*

x

(*)

(*)

3

3

R 600a R290 R1270 C4H10 C3H8 C3H6 Isobutane Propane Propane

x

x

x

1

0

R744 CO2

R717 NH3 Ammonia

x x**

* In the event of combustion / contact with moisture, corrosive acids and poisonous gases are formed ** Penetrating odour is a sign of danger to health

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When you think about climate change, CO2 and methane are the first things that come to mind. However, there are more than 20 natural and man-made greenhouse gases that contribute towards global warming.

Many manufacturers are making a gradual change towards the refrigerant R32, which is a big step towards a lower global warming potential. However, Hoval will go even further in future when it comes to protecting the climate.

These should not be underestimated, as the overall impact of the other greenhouse gases is almost the same as CO2.

This global warming potential (GWP) describes how much a greenhouse gas contributes to global warming compared to the same amount of CO2.

Propane – the refrigerant of the future

Refrigerant R410A The common refrigerant R410A, which is often used in heat pumps, will have to be replaced to a large extent by 2025 due to its high GWP value of 1980. Despite apparently closed refrigerant circuits and clear regulations on releasing refrigerants, R410A has an enormous impact on the environment – 1980 times greater than that of CO2, for example.

As a result of the technological development of refrigerants, alternatives are available. A balance needs to be struck between the GWP value, combustibility and toxicity in the process.

After weighing up the technical properties, global warming potential, combustibility and toxicity, Hoval came to the decision to use propane as its preferred refrigerant for the future.

The main advantage of propane is its low GWP value of 3.

It is also non-toxic. What’s more, it is possible to combat the potential combustibility of propane with new designs. The result of this is that the air/water heat pump, for example, will ideally have to be installed in the garden in future as only 150 g of propane is allowed in buildings.

Later this year, Hoval will launch the first air/water heat pump using propane as a refrigerant on the market.

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Heat pump

REVOLUTION The new refrigerant regulations will flip the heat pump market on its head – and it is already moving constantly anyway.

10 years ago, air heat pumps and brine heat pumps made up around half the market each in Europe. Now, just a sixth of the approximately 600,000 heat pumps sold in Europe get their heat energy from the ground. Nevertheless, in the German-speaking regions, a quarter of systems are still fitted with geothermal probes. In southern Europe, air/water heat pumps are the most popular choice due to the weather conditions.

In addition to the trend towards air/water heat pumps, the new refrigerants will influence the development of the market. New refrigerants like propane fundamentally change the design and installation location in particular.

The permissible limit for propane in buildings is currently 150 g. As a result, new heat pumps almost always have to be designed as outdoor units.

Hoval Belaria ® pro with propane (R290) The new Belaria ® pro heat pump is the first Hoval serialproduction heat pump to work with propane – the climatefriendly refrigerant of the future – and therefore represents a real milestone. It will be launched in the middle of 2020 in two different versions.

The Belaria ® pro compact boasts an integrated 270 l domestic water storage tank and an additional 100 l technical buffer storage tank. This saves space as an additional storage tank is not required.

What sets the Belaria ® pro comfort apart is its small indoor unit for wall-mounting and the option to choose larger domestic water storage tanks if the 270 l one in the compact version is not enough.

With an output of 8 and 14 kW, the new Belaria ® pro is designed for single-family homes. The maximum flow temperature of 70°C makes the Belaria ® best suited to renovations. The system controller is also future-proof – in addition to the TopTronic ® E controller, you can also connect to the new HovalConnect IoT platform. This means that you can operate your heating easily, safely and efficiently via the app or a web browser. With HovalConnect, the

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controller is ready for the Internet of Things – and even for tomorrow’s weather. The new heat pumps adapt to upcoming weather conditions in real time in line with the weather forecast. What’s more, as an end customer, you will have the entire system controller to hand on your smartphone simply and easily due to TopTronic ® E. Hoval Belaria ® eco with R32

The Belaria ® eco air/water heat pump will be launched on 1 July this year and will also have a new refrigerant. The Belaria ® eco uses R32, which is more climate-friendly and boasts a significantly lower GWP than R410.

The Belaria ® eco will be available with three different output ratings (14, 16 and 18 kW). It will also be available in two versions, just like the Belaria® pro. The Belaria® eco compact with integrated 230 l domestic water storage tank is ideal if space is tight. All the Belaria ® eco comfort needs inside the building is a wall-mounted indoor unit and a hot water generator, which can be designed based on the extent of the domestic hot water consumption.

Both new Belaria ® pro and Belaria ® eco heat pumps represent a new chapter in climate-friendly heat generation.

Now, the refrigerants used can also play a part in climate protection.

Belaria ® eco with R32 ■■ Output ratings of 14, 16 and 18 kW ■■ With or without integrated water tank ■■ Space-saving due to wall-mounted indoor unit ■■ Available from April 2020

Belaria ® pro with propane ■■ With or without integrated water tank ■■ Extremely quiet ■■ Best suited to renovations ■■ Integrated system controller ■■ Available from July 2020

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Regulations for the future Europe is setting clear targets for energy and CO2 savings.

Here you can find an overview of what Europe is prescribing and how different countries are implementing this.

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We need to set the standard for the future today so that heating systems in new buildings and renovations can be designed to be ready for 2050. Energy-efficient construction means building in a high-quality way that goes beyond the standard set out by today’s building regulations.

Ever since the Fridays for Future demonstrations held by students and the temperature records from last summer, climate change has hit the daily headlines and become part of our everyday discussions. However, Europe has been pursuing the stated aim of reducing energy consumption and therefore CO2 emissions for years now, quite unnoticed by the public.

Kyoto Protocol and 20-20-20 by 2020 Back in 1997, the EU committed to reducing pollutant emissions, reforesting and promoting environmentally friendly energy technologies in the Kyoto Protocol. It even exceeded the target set at the time of reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in 1990 by 8% by 2012.

In 2007, the EU then came up with the 20-20-20 by 2020 resolutions. These aimed to reduce both greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption by 20%, while increasing the use of renewable energy sources to 20% of overall consumption. These will also be achieved by 2020. This will mean that Europe will have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% compared to 1990. The proportion of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency need to be increased to at least 27% to restrict climate change.

Univ.-Prof. DI Dr Wolfgang Streicher Institute for Structural Engineering and Materials Science, field: energy-efficient construction, University of Innsbruck

European directives So just how can we now achieve these ambitious targets?

The EU has issued extensive regulations for buildings and devices. The European Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) regulates the energy efficiency of buildings. For public buildings, the Nearly Zero-Energy Building Directive (NZEB) will be mandatory from 2020. The Energy-Related Products Directive (ErP) governs the energy efficiency of products. It was tightened once again with regard to NOx emissions in September. On top of these, the directive designed to promote the use of energy from renewable sources (RES Directive) covers the use of renewable energies.

Implementation is a job for each country Europe specifies clear targets and savings in the indi­vidual directives. However, it is up to each individual country to decide how to achieve these. After all, different approaches will be more appropriate in cold countries like Finland than in hot countries like Spain, for example.

There’s also Switzerland which, as a non-EU state, is going its own way to pursue its climate strategy for 2050.

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Paris climate agreement In 2016, every country in the world, except Syria, committed to limiting man-made global warming to less than 2°C over pre-industrial values in the Paris agreement. Syria has since signed the agreement. The USA under Trump, on the other hand, has withdrawn from it and from November 2020, will be the only country in the world that is not signed up to it.

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MuKEn – model regulations of the Swiss cantons in the energy sector Zeljko Lepur, Product Manager of Furnaces at Hoval Switzerland, tells us: “From 2020, the ‘model regulations of the Swiss cantons in the energy sector’, or the ‘MuKEn’ 2014, agreed in 2014, will affect every new building and most replacement heat generators. There has never been an energy regulation in Switzerland that will impose as many changes and requirements on the building services industry as this one!”

When renovating buildings with an energy-efficiency rating of D or higher, you can use any heat generator you wish.

D roughly corresponds to the building standard from 1990 onwards. With all other existing old buildings (energyefficiency rating of E, F or G) built before 1990 – which make up approximately 75% of the building stock in Switzerland – the MuKEn 2014 require renewable resources to be used for at least 10% of the energy in principle. You have various options here, such as combining fossil-fuel boilers with thermal solar plants, with heat pumps or water heaters with photovoltaics, with controlled domestic ventilation, or with an improved building envelope.

“This means lots of educational and advisory work for our planners and installers,” says Zeljko Lepur. “Even the question as to where a repair ends and a renovation begins is overwhelming many homeowners at the moment.”

The regulation for new buildings, on the other hand, is crystal clear. All newly erected buildings in Switzerland will have to be able to generate some of their required electricity independently in future. The options here include photovoltaics, wind energy and cogeneration units. Individual solutions are also possible. Only now is it apparent that fossil fuels will no longer play a role in new buildings in future.

New building energy law in Germany Germany is implementing the targets set by the EU with its Energy Conservation Act (EnEG), Energy Conservation Ordinance (EnEV) and Renewable Energies Heat Act (EEWärmeG). The government is now bringing these together in the new Buildings Energy Act of 2019 (GEG).

“In the GEG 2019, the requirements are simplified,” summarises Manfred Gerngroß, Director of Technology at Hoval Germany. “However, the energy requirements of the Energy Conservation Ordinance, which have been in force since 1 January 2016, for new buildings and existing ones will remain the same, including the usage obligations as per the Renewable Energies Heat Act.” No higher-level regulation in Austria “Here in Austria, there is no higher-level regulation,” explains Andreas Grimm, Director of Product Market Management, Heating Technology. “The EU directives are regulated de facto in the various pieces of national legislation via the building regulations. There are also regional laws for renovations and even regulations from the municipalities in some cases. The OIB guidelines are designed to harmonise different building regulations in practice.” OIB guideline 6 was renewed in April 2019. The contents now need to be adopted in national legislation. In the new OIB guideline 6, the requirements regarding the use of regenerative energies have nearly doubled. Andreas Grimm sees this as an opportunity for Hoval.

The requirements are simplified in the GEG 2019. However, the energy requirements of the Energy Conservation Ordinance for new buildings and existing ones will remain the same, including the usage obligations as per the Renewable Energies Heat Act.

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Manfred Gerngroß Director of Technology Hoval Germany

Italy offers financial incentives

Responsibility for environment and technology

In Italy, Legislative Degree no. 102 of 4 July 2014 regulates the implementation of the European directive on energy efficiency. The Ministerial Decree of 26 June 2015 defines the minimum energy-efficiency levels for heating, cooling and water heating.

Climate change is a feature of everyday life all over Europe. Nevertheless, you have to get right into the relevant regulations and legislation to work out how to deal with it. It goes without saying that the country-specific requirements do not make the jobs of planners, installers and unit developers jobs any easier. Hoval takes responsibility for energy and the environment. On the one hand, this means proactively grappling with new regulations. However, it is primarily about offering forward-looking and reliable technological solutions for the future. It’s not for nothing that independent experts, like Professor Streicher from the University of Innsbruck, are encouraging us to build in a way that is ready for the year 2050.

“With the ‘Conto Termico 2.0’ subsidy, end customers receive up to 65% of their total investment from the state, depending on the technology and quality of the heating system used and the building envelope. What’s more, with the ‘Detrazioni fiscali’ tax deductions, the end customer can claim for up to 65% of their total investment. Biomass, solar thermal energy, gas condensing boilers, heat pumps, hybrid systems (gas condensing boiler plus heat pump) and building automation systems are all supported,” explains Matteo Lombardi, Technical Manager at Hoval Italy.

United Kingdom with simplified building energy models “In the United Kingdom, there are the BREEAM guidelines, but these are not legislation,” explains Martin Murrish, Technical Product Manager at Hoval UK. “If a building has a BREEAM rating of excellent or outstanding, this can be helpful when it comes to selling or leasing.” The building regulations in the UK are regulated by legislation. These aim to reduce the CO2 requirements per square metre. Designs must comply with a simplified building energy model (SBEM) or ideally exceed this. The building regulations are to be revised in 2020.

EU-28 final energy consumption by sector

33% transport 25% household 25% industry 14%

service

2% agriculture and forestry 1% other

Source: Eurostat, 2015

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compares objectively End customers are often astonishingly well-informed. With the new EPREL database, they can compare all units with an energy label online.

From an objective point of view, this is a real opportunity.

The EPREL website compares all units up to 70Â kW recorded by the ErP Directive transparently and objectively.

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Haven’t heard of EPREL yet? You’re not alone. Here you can find out why it is really worth getting to know and using the web-based EPREL comparison portal. The European Product Registry for Energy Labelling – or EPREL for short – offers particularly interesting features for end customers and retailers.

Objective unit comparison EPREL compares the performance data of all units up to 70 kW recorded by the ErP Directive completely transparently and objectively. What’s more, EPREL has a private area, which the relevant bodies can use for market monitoring and management tasks. The main advantages of EPREL are the objectivity of the data, the way this is summarised in a database and how clearly it is displayed. As the ErP Directive forms the basis for and the source of data behind EPREL, you can be sure that the information you retrieve is valid. EPREL gives planners and installers the opportunity to convince their customers with objective product comparisons. What’s more, they can also be prepared if customers cite comparative data that they have obtained from EPREL of their own accord.

Advantages for discerning customers Due to EPREL, end customers – and all specialist companies too, of course – will be able to compare products that appear similar at first glance very quickly and clearly in future.

You can even compare units with different energy sources in just a few clicks. What’s more, you can see how much energy a heat pump would save compared to a gas boiler, for example. EPREL does not provide any information about the actual energy costs. However, users can truly rely on all the other data and comparisons that they can retrieve using EPREL. These are checked by the body responsible for market surveillance.

This is why we believe that it is worth remembering the name EPREL. You might even find it much easier to convince the most discerning customers using the official comparative data for Hoval products. EPREL has provided additional market transparency online. As the number-one research tool, the internet needs to supply the very best information.

You can find data on around 200 Hoval units in the EPREL database.

“We welcome the opportunity to compare products objectively,” says Günther Köb, Director of Product Management, Fossil Fuels. “The interesting thing about EPREL is that you can compare all energy sources based on the efficiency rating and the annual energy consumption. Hoval units offer peak capacities with different energy sources and in many aspects. As a premium manufacturer, we believe that it’s only right for the data to be comparable from an objective perspective.”

Hoval units offers peak capacities with different energy sources and in many aspects. As a premium manufacturer, we believe that it’s only right for the data to be comparable from an objective perspective.

Günther Köb Director of Product Management, Fossil Fuels

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Get to know Peter Schatte, Director of Product Management, Controls and Connected Services at Hoval A keen biker and smart-home enthusiast from the very beginning, Peter has three children and has worked at Hoval since 2011.

An interview with Peter Schatte HovalConnect is the new service platform that allows you to operate your heating and comfort ventilation systems using a browser or app. The project team put hundreds of hours of work into the HovalConnect launch. Peter Schatte is here to answer all the key questions on their behalf.

Easy to use Safe

Efficient

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HovalConnect was recently launched as an app and browser solution. Is the Internet of Things now controlling our heating systems?

unique care package 24/7, 365 days a year, where we will rectify any faults – all before the customer has actually noticed them.

Peter Schatte: This could already be done with HovalDesk, which is now being replaced by HovalConnect. However, with HovalConnect, we’re actually building on a next-generation IoT platform. It has the performance and speed that we need for the services of the future that we are already developing.

One more key question to finish: how does HovalConnect benefit installers?

And how can we use HovalConnect now?

Peter Schatte: HovalConnect is now being introduced to the markets gradually. End customers in Austria will be the first to have the opportunity to get to know this new platform.

The other markets will then follow. However, business users and partners will still need to be patient.

Peter Schatte: They can offer their customers remote monitoring as an additional service. Hoval offers interesting partner programmes here. Or they can check which spare parts they need to take with them before they actually go to a customer. Our partners can even make simple temperature adjustments conveniently using their tablets without having to travel to the system.

You will then be able to use the app or a browser to operate your heating or ventilation wherever you are. Conveniently, safely and efficiently.

As the owner of a heating system, how will I notice these advantages?

Peter Schatte: When I come back from holiday, for example, I can set my preferred room temperature in advance on my smartphone. That’s convenience that you really notice.

Then there’s the added safety. If a fault occurs in the system, you will be told automatically via an e-mail or a push notification.

There’s also something that is truly unique to Hoval.

HovalConnect processes precise location data from the weather forecast and proactively controls the system using this. If the sun is going to come out in a few hours, then the heating system will leave the water heating to the solar plant, for example. This also makes it possible to better protect modern buildings with a lot of glass from overheating.

If the sun is going to come out in a few hours, then the heating system will leave the water heating to the solar plant, for example.

This also makes it possible to better protect modern buildings with a lot of glass from overheating.

Peter Schatte Director of Product Management, Controls and Connected Services

Do you also have a forecast for the services of the future?

Peter Schatte: One example is that we are going to integrate a PV energy management system into HovalConnect to optimise personal energy usage. Commercial users can also look forward to professional energy accounting with the export option required for further billing. With HovalConnect, great features will be possible.

HovalRemote is the first new solution that builds on this platform and is now available for business users, such as hotels in Austria. With this solution, we offer customers a

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UG 1500 kW in a very small space

The UltraGas® (1550) from Hoval expands the upper range of the legendary gas condensing boiler series. It supplies comfortable heating for large building complexes and heating networks. The boiler is highly efficient with low emissions, all while using less than half of the floor space of common gas boiler devices in this operating range.

The new UltraGas ® (1550) for large buildings and heating networks only needs 3.3 m2 of floor space.

UltraGas ® (1550) 3.3 m2

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Competitor: 7.6 m2

The Hoval UltraGas ® is in a league of its own. Due to its optimal efficiency levels, this condensing boiler reduces consumption and increases the cost-effectiveness of heating systems. A wide range of design details reduce gas consumption. The finely-graduated UltraGas ® product range, starting from 15 kW, has been expanded to include a 1550 kW single boiler. All applications, from single-family houses to local and district heating centres, can now be implemented with this gas condensing product range.

Extremely low space requirements – just 3.3 m2

In real-world applications, the boiler shows what it can really do The efficiency of the boiler is always inspected under ideal conditions on the test bench. Practice shows what the boiler can really do. How well can it handle varying performance requirements? How does it behave with fluctuating flow rates? Or with changing return temperatures?

The quality and class of the UltraGas ® can answer these questions. It comes down to modulation on the one hand, and the high water content on the other.

Due to its special design, the new 1550 kW boiler needs less than half the space of common devices on the market.

The construction as a standing system with upright heat exchangers greatly reduces the space required. In addition to the heat exchanger concept, the overall boiler construction saves space and enables simple hydraulic integration. The UltraGas ® (1550) – just 1550 mm in width, 2152 mm in depth and 2547 mm in height – is particularly easy to install and position in tight spaces. The space saved can typically be used for other equipment, or reserved for future expansion.

The UltraGas ® impresses despite fluctuations in power due to the burner modulation range and the intelligent TopTronic ® E system controller, which conveniently monitors and controls the performance data. The UltraGas ® can also be integrated into building automation systems using TopTronic ® E interfaces.

Condensing technology for maximum efficiency

Reliability and a long life-time

While the UltraGas ® (1550) boiler is small in terms of the space required, it is a giant when it comes to both performance and efficiency.

In addition to all the performance data, reliability, investment security and services also benefit professional users.

At the moment, the market is turning towards condensing boilers in the high operating range. When it comes to condensing technology, which has been state-of-the-art at Hoval for a long time, Günther Köb, Product Manager of Condensing Technology at Hoval, has a summary of the market developments. He has identified that “the demand for high-efficiency heat exchangers in the high operating range with minimal required floor space is particularly high, for example in order to expand existing boilers”. This is why the thin design of the UltraGas ® makes all the difference.

The newest and most powerful UltraGas ® boiler achieves its impressive efficiency due to the state-of-the-art burner technology and its heat exchanger design.

Modulating premix burner for over 1000 kW The modulating premix burner ensures a high level of efficiency and low emission of pollutants across the entire operating range. The fan-premix unit generates a homogenous and therefore optimal mixture of combustible gas/air.

The quantity can be infinitely adjusted using the fan speed and modulated to the heat demand. The burner runs through its modulation range from 328 to 1550 kW continuously and prevents start/stop operation, which requires a lot of energy and increases emissions. The energy consumption of the fan also drops with the speed.

The Ultraclean ® grid burner burns the gas/air mixture in the optimal range for the minimal emission of pollutants. It is also quiet and virtually flameless.

The high water content works like a buffer to manage the flow rates and return temperatures. This provides numerous advantages: simpler hydraulic systems, lower energy consumption and fewer start/stop processes.

Hoval is the perfect partner to meet these standards. There is an abundance of services and packages for operators to select from in order to find the right solution for every system and requirement. The portfolio ranges from commissioning to maintenance and guarantee extension. These are all measures which protect your investment, enable optimal operation and make costs calculable. When it comes to maintenance, simplicity and speed set the easy-to-service UltraGas® apart. One person can open the burner alone with just a few motions, making the heat exchangers accessible for cleaning. This saves time and money for safe, long-term operation.

Starting now, the Hoval UltraGas ® (1550) can be delivered as a single boiler. It will be available as a double boiler in the spring of 2020.

Hoval UltraGas ® (1550) – top 3 facts

1 Less than half the standard floor space required 2 Minimal pollutant emissions 3 Powerful UltraGas® boiler

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Busy for the bees An apiary in Salzburg is raising awareness about bees as livestock and why they are important to humans.

Hoval is supporting the project and provided it with UltraGasÂŽ gas heating.

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The subject of bee mortality is of crucial importance, as without them, humankind is unable to survive. Daniel Pfeifenberger, president of the Bienenlieb association, is highly dedicated to bees and started planning the apiary at the end of 2017.

As a result of support from various investors, the construction, including the new building and renovation work, only took a year.

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The newly integrated Hoval solution heats our apiary cost-effectively and reliably.

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Daniel Pfeifenberger Organic beekeeper and association president

A heating system as powerful as the honey bees themselves The 3800 m2 apiary is home to 12.5 million bees and combines everything under one roof, from beehives and honey production right through to beekeeper training. The 1000 m2 building is heated using the Hoval UltraGas ® gas heating system, which was provided free of charge. This was even used during the complete renovation of the old building on the premises. “The newly integrated Hoval solution heats our apiary cost-effectively and reliably,” says Pfeifenberger. The 50 kW gas heating system with modern condensing technology provides the apiary with optimum cost-effectiveness, as well as minimal gas and electricity consumption.

In the building, there is a function room with café, a show kitchen, a shop with beekeeping supplies and another shop where you can buy honey delicacies.

Bees and UltraGas ®: masters of temperature regulation Just like us humans, bees like to be warm. However, the ideal temperature in a beehive is between 34 and 36°C – much higher than in human dwellings. Bees take care of regulating the temperature themselves. When it is too hot, they bring water into the hive to cool it down. If it is too cold, they give their wings a real workout to warm up the air.

Hoval UltraGas ® The gas boiler for heating and generating hot water for the lowest possible operating costs in blocks of flats and commercial buildings.

Floor-mounted with infinitely variable power adjustment and Hoval TopTronic ® E system controller.

■■ Maximum efficiency with guaranteed drinking water hygiene standards ■■ Low gas and power consumption as a result of maximum efficiency ■■ Low maintenance as a result of patented aluFer ® heat exchanger ■■ Intelligent control for hassle-free heating

For Pfeifenberger, the UltraGas ® controller works a bit more simply: “Even when the heating system was fitted by our installers, everything went quickly and without any problems. When it is running, we don’t have to worry about anything. If there are any faults, Hoval’s 24/7 customer service is available for us at all times. We have it better than the bees,” he grins. With the TopTronic ® E system controller, he can operate the heating simply and intuitively via a touchscreen. The Hoval partner installer Brunauer Installateur GmbH committed themselves to integrating the heating system reliably and seamlessly. A Hoval customer service technician carried out the commissioning.

Working together to ensure the future is bright for the honey bees For owner Daniel Pfeifenberger, it is important to educate people about bee mortality. With Hoval’s contribution, Pfeifenberger can invest more of his budget into raising awareness. Nevertheless, he still expects to get around 20,000 visitors to the apiary per year. Another one of his goals is to hold workshops for 5000 to 6000 children and adults each year to inform, educate and raise awareness about the natural cycle of the insect world. The apiary is therefore making a valuable contribution to creating a more sustainable co-existence between humankind and nature.

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From Osaka

Twice a year, MP Hirakawa and Hoval meet for an in-depth meeting. In the autumn, it’s in Japan. In the spring, it’s in Liechtenstein. And there’s plenty of scope for an exceptional partnership in between.

We really value the support and solutions from Hoval. I am looking forward to continuing our successful and strong partnership.

Shinichi Hirakawa President of MP Hirakawa

Partner meeting in Vaduz. From left to right: Fabian Frick (Hoval), Hirakawa Shinichi, Shimakura Kiyoshi, Tamura Toshihiko (MP Hirakawa), David Bini (Hoval), Kugo Yasuyuki, Kamei Mitsuru (MP Hirakawa), Daniel Heiss (Hoval)

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to Vaduz

In December 2004, the Hoval headquarters in Vaduz, Liechtenstein, received a short e-mail from the Japanese port city of Osaka on the island of Honshu. The technicians at MP Hirakawa were interested in the Hoval condensing gas boiler, which was not very well known in Japan at the time, and asked for a test unit.

“Hoval sent an UltraGas ® unit across the Pacific. However, we didn’t hear anything else from Osaka for nearly a year,” remembers Hoval Export Area Manager Daniel Heiss. “Then, from October 2005 onwards, the orders then started to come in thick and fast.”

Japanese thoroughness

their own methodology and software specifically for this purpose, which documents energy savings and other key values during operation.

These objective measured values have made Hoval technology a hit on the Japanese market. Many of the numerous public spas and baths are switching over to the Hoval UltraGas ® condensing boiler.

An exceptional partnership has developed from the business relationship that started so slowly. After all, both companies are pursuing the same aim in Osaka and Vaduz – to provide the best technical solution for energy and the environment.

With the thoroughness typically associated with Japan, MP Hirakawa had checked new condensation technology in great depth using the UltraGas ® boiler supplied. This led to an extraordinary partnership which has blossomed over the years – MP Hirakawa has even put forward suggestions for improving the large condensing boilers.

“We really value the support and solutions from Hoval. I am looking forward to continuing our strong and successful partnership,” emphasises owner and president Shinichi Hirakawa at the opening of the new company building.

New headquarters for MP Hirakawa In the new company building, MP Hirakawa installed a Modul-plus F42 high-output domestic water heater and an UltraGas ® (125) gas condensing boiler for their own use and for training purposes.

Software documents energy savings The Japanese general importer makes the quality and added value of the UltraGas ® boiler accessible and measurable for its customers. Engineers have developed

Did you know...?

In Osaka, the 300-metre-high Abeno Harukas – the highest building in Japan, a country with a population of 126 million – generates its space heating and domestic hot water with six Hoval UltraGas ® boilers.

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Testimonial HoLI Clinicum Alpinum

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Testimonial HoLI Clinicum Alpinum

The Clinicum Alpinum in Gaflei (Liechtenstein) offers effective treatment for depression.

In addition to the architecture by J2M, the consideration for nature is also reflected in an innovative CO2-neutral heating system.

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According to a study by the WHO, depression will be the most common illness globally by 2030. It doesn’t matter what you do – it can affect anyone. Dr Marc Risch and his wife Michaela therefore created a space in Gaflei that guarantees comprehensive, individual and quick treatment: the Clinicum Alpinum.

A contrast to everyday life Those affected by depression need a contrast to everyday life. The small hamlet of Gaflei, 1000 metres above Vaduz in Liechtenstein, offers this contrast. This provided the Clinicum Alpinum with an architecturally special area for recovery and healing. With specially trained hotel staff, a spa area open around the clock and the a public restaurant (the Gaflei Stuba), the clinic creates the perfect conditions for redressing your internal balance.

Hoval provided an appropriate heating system to establish the perfect indoor climate, which plays a key role in the process.

Wood as a natural building and heating material The exposed position of the clinic and the desire to use a renewable energy source meant that a decision was quickly made to use a pellet heating system. An air/water heat pump had to be ruled out from the outset as it would not provide the necessary output at 1500 m and with the low temperatures

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associated with these altitudes.

A brine/water heat pump was also out of the question due to the geological conditions.

For a remote location like Gaflei, CO2-neutral, regionally produced wood pellets are the ideal solution for heating material. With these, the Clinicum Alpinum has integrated itself perfectly into its alpine location, both in terms of its architecture and its energy provision. What’s more, when you step inside the clinic, you will find organic materials like stone and wood again and again, which is why the decision to opt for a pellet heating system was only natural.

In front of the pellet stores, which are filled to the brim in autumn, three BioLyt (160) boilers with fully automatic ash removal and TopTronic ® E work away reliably. The cascade of three units significantly increases reliability and achieves a maximum output of up to 480 kW. Depending on the heat demand, just one single BioLyt pellet boiler can heat up too. Two CombiVal CR (1000) with integrated stainless steel heat exchangers store the heated domestic water until it is required in the building.

The plant was implemented by the experienced team from Büchel Haustechnik in Bendern. Dario Morciano, the specialist planner responsible for the project, is particularly fascinated by the architecture and location of the Clinicum Alpinum.

“What’s really impressive is how the building blends into the alpine landscape up here. Because of its remote location, the reliability of the solution was absolutely crucial, as was the sustainability. And you can simply rely on Hoval – our partner from the region – to provide that.”

Clinicum Alpinum, Gaflei ■■ Private clinic for the individual treatment of depression ■■ Planned and executed by Wilhelm Büchel AG, Liechtenstein ■■ Heating solution with three Hoval BioLyt (160) pellet boilers with fully automatic ash removal ■■ Highly reliable due to the cascade of three units, with a maximum output of up to 480 kW

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1000 stations for 1000 holiday homes Park Allgäu, Germany’s sixth Centre Parcs, has been welcoming guests for a year now.

Behind the sophisticated sport, wellness and entertainment concept, the very latest energy technologies are working away.

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Up to 5000 day visitors and holidaymakers enjoy a very special type of leisure holiday every day in Leutkirch, Germany. There is a total of 1000 holiday homes of different sizes and with various features. An infrastructure development with an approximately 30 km local heating network formed the prerequisite for supplying these holiday homes with heat and hot water.

A system for every demand With a focus on ensuring that the local heating network could be operated as efficiently as possible, there was one key question: how can we implement a stable, energy-saving heat distribution system that meets all of the requirements for 1000 holiday homes and an effective area of more than 100,000 square metres?

A standard solution was out of the question YADOS, Hoval’s German subsidiary, therefore developed a new uniform heat transfer solution for all applications and output specifications – a highly complex task for 1000 holiday homes of different shapes and sizes and with different setups.

Compact solution with long-term prospects A space-saving construction was also required, along with simple installation, as the stations had to be incorporated into different living space concepts. At the same time, the simplified design with identical components makes it much easier to manage maintenance and repair work. The on-site technicians will find that the construction is always the same in each holiday home.

Master controller With all of the infrastructure in the park, treating natural resources in a sustainable way is the top priority.

Therefore, in addition to the transfer stations, YADOS provided two other components to ensure that heat could be generated as efficiently as possible.

Return-flow-optimised domestic water heating systems were designed uniformly for all consumers and guarantee that all hygiene requirements are met using the continuous flow principle.

The control and communication system manages all domestic water heating systems and transfer stations. The open-interface control technology controls, regulates and visualises all system processes. It optimises operation precisely in line with the outdoor temperature and consumer-side acceptance conditions.

In addition, separate presets can be programmed for each house – you can even specify these before your arrival at the resort.

On the whole, the solution for Park Allgäu is a clear indicator of what is possible when it comes to creating a pioneering and needs-based energy supply. Its Swabian virtues – efficiency, sustainability and economy – are very much in demand far beyond the Allgäu region itself.

The park buildings current have five delivery types. Regardless of the output rating, they all have identical main components – from the primary valves, circulating pumps and heat exchangers right through to the communication controller.

In addition to the specially developed compact solution, 200 YADOS GIRO systems are also being used. Their larger capacity is required in the exclusive holiday homes with a spa bath, jacuzzi and rain shower head, for example.

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Salvagnini Maschinenbau has relied on Hoval’s indoor climate systems for 20 years.

A total of 30 TopVent ® and RoofVent ® units ensure a pleasant indoor climate. Another production hall is being integrated at the end of 2019.

Hoval units have provided the ideal indoor climate in Salvagnini production halls since 1996.

For more than 50 years, the Salvagnini Group has offered reliable, durable and adaptable solutions for the sheet metal working industry. Its headquarters in Ennsdorf, Lower Austria, is the world’s largest centre of excellence for automated bending. Around 430 employees work at the site. The production halls are ventilated, heated and cooled using a total of 30 Hoval TopVent ® and RoofVent ® units.

Decentralised and modular: individual solution for each hall The Hoval air-conditioning units have provided an ideal indoor climate in the Salvagnini production halls for over two decades. The first generation of units went into operation in 1996 and these are still active to date. As a result, there are TopVent ® and RoofVent ® units from different generations across the whole production site. Over the years, Salvagnini has extended the climate system to additional halls. “The modular system from Hoval allows us to extend gradually to new halls. On top of this, the units from different generations

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Hoval customer service gives us security.

We know that we can count on Hoval’s support at any time, but fortunately we haven’t yet had to call on it outside of scheduled visits.

Wolfgang Kunze (engineer) Technical Manager Salvagnini Maschinenbau

also work together without any problems,” explains Technical Manager and authorised representative Wolfgang Kunze. Today, the units ventilate a total area of 14,600 m².

Next, Hoval with fit out the 2900 m² hall 7 at the end of the year.

Easy integration into the existing control system For Salvagnini, it was important for the systems to work efficiently, particularly with regard to the heat exchanger.

In addition, Kunze also wanted to integrate the Hoval air-conditioning units into an existing control system. He is thrilled to have been able to find a compatible solution together with Hoval: “When it came to looking for the perfect indoor climate system, simple and seamless integration into our existing Honeywell HVAC and sanitary regulation and control system was crucial. With Hoval units, that works perfectly.”

The powerful TopVent ® and RoofVent ® units have a large reach, which is why only a few units are required to create the preferred conditions, even in production halls with high ceilings.

Long-term partnership and individual support Kunze really values the excellent customer service and quality of the units. The collaboration went perfectly from the very beginning and Kunze feels that Hoval offers the very best support: “Hoval customer service gives us security. We know that we can count on Hoval’s support at any time, but fortunately we haven’t yet had to call on it outside of scheduled visits.”

Ideal climate for employees in the hall The TopVent ® and RoofVent ® units bring around 120,000 m³ of fresh air into the halls every hour and ensure a pleasant climate in the production halls due to the constant circulation. For Kunze, providing the ideal working conditions for his employees is his top priority: the air-conditioning units should work completely unnoticed by the people working – for example, there must not be a draught.

As the discharge angle can be aligned individually, this guarantees draught-free heating and cooling comprehensively across all halls.

The integrated Air-Injector air distributor delivers the filtered, heated or cooled air back into the room unnoticed.

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Y

ears

Creating reliability

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75 years Three quarters of a century old and full of energy for the future. This year, Hoval is celebrating an incredibly remarkable anniversary. Get a little overview of the anniversary and a quick reminder of how it all began.

The brand was born on 7 April 1945. Shortly after company founder Ospelt filed his first patent, he registered the newly created name HOVAL, made up of the initials from heating equipment construction, Ospelt, Vaduz and Liechtenstein.

The Hoval logo – from then to now

1945

Around 1960

We are going to celebrate the unique path that the brand has taken, its international success and, last but not least, the people behind it in the spring. We are already working on the anniversary edition of Hoval Insights.

There’s a lot to look forward to in Hoval’s anniversary year and plenty of opportunities to celebrate together.

Around 1969

Around 1993

2009

LEGAL Insights – the Hoval Group magazine.

PUBLISHER Hoval Aktiengesellschaft IMAGES Hoval, iStock, Fotolia Online edition available at hoval.com

carbon neutral natureOffice.com | CH-354-469018

print production

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Hoval Aktiengesellschaft

Austrasse 70 | 9490 Vaduz Liechtenstein hoval.com

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4219053 _ Insights 01 | 2020

ENGLISH

Responsibility for energy and environment