Heat pumps for outdoor pools
Sustainable revolution in two leisure centres
At the heart of the conversion were three and five state-of-the-art pool air heat pumps, which heat the water in the main pools of the outdoor pools (1200 and 2100 cubic metres respectively). In the smaller of the two centres, this made it possible to heat the pools for the first time, extending the swimming season and allowing swimming lessons to be held throughout the season.
In the larger leisure centre, the existing pool heating system was completely converted from natural gas to renewable energy. Two special smaller air heat pumps were also installed for the baby pool so that even the youngest bathers can splash around in a well-tempered environment.
By comprehensively converting two municipal leisure centres with outdoor swimming pools in North Rhine-Westphalia (Unna and Fröndenberg) to renewable energies, MCC Regelungssysteme GmbH has set a pioneering standard for the future.
Expansion of the photovoltaic system
In order to maximise the energy efficiency of the outdoor pools and minimise electricity costs, the photovoltaic systems were created from scratch in one case and expanded from 30 kWp to an impressive 75 kWp in the other. This strategic upgrade plays a central role in the energy supply of the outdoor pools by supplying the heat pumps with green electricity. This synergy between photovoltaics and heat pump technology leads to a considerable reduction in operating costs, which in the larger centre, are already far below the previous costs for natural gas in the first year.
Intelligent heat generation and hot water supply
Another highlight of both projects is the implementation of a separate brine heat pump for heating the building and providing hot water for the showers. This innovative solution utilises the swimming pool water and a renovated solar thermal system as a source and illustrates the potential that lies in combining different technologies.
"The centrepiece of the technological innovation is the advanced control technology. It not only enables efficient heat distribution for the large swimming pools and the hot water supply for the buildings, but also offers precise recording and control of the entire energy consumption," explains Managing Director and project engineer Stefan Reichardt.
By using six and respectively 14 CAN-EZ3 energy meters, all electricity consumption of both properties is recorded, which enables a detailed analysis and optimisation of the heat pump demand, PV yields, grid feed-in, grid consumption and the consumption of other facilities.
All system statuses, parameters and power consumption can be called up at any time via a user-friendly user interface. This can be used via a web browser or smartphone app, as well as via a touch display installed on site. Permanent data logging with automated messages in the event of a fault or warning enables cost-effective and sustainable documentation of both systems all year round.
"This project impressively demonstrates that a rethink in the energy supply of public facilities is not only possible, but also economically advantageous. It shows how environmentally friendly and cost-efficient operation can be realised through intelligent planning and the use of modern technologies," concludes Kornelius Jasz.
Executing company:
MCC Regelungssysteme GmbH
Dieselstraße 5
D-59174 Kamen
www.mcc-regelungssysteme.de/
