Securing energy intrastructure
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With water technology that we consistently develop to be safer and increasingly AI-embedded, we contribute tosecure energy intrastructure.
We support the implementation of the energy transition with solutions that replace outdated technology or enable renewable energy generation, for example in hydropower plants.
Our energy supply is changing. The expansion of renewable energy, increasing electrification and new decentralised structures are placing new demands on existing systems. At the same time, a reliable supply remains a key prerequisite for the economy, society and everyday life.
To ensure that energy systems can keep pace with these changes, energy flows must be utilised efficiently, technical systems must be controlled intelligently, and different energy sources must be connected. Our water technology is used in a variety of applications – from heating and cooling systems in buildings to renewable energy generation facilities.
Rethinking energy security
Solutions for a changing energy landscape
Nowadays, energy security means more than simply having energy available. Energy must be reliably available wherever it is needed, while also taking into account new forms of generation and changing patterns of consumption.
Digital technologies are creating new opportunities to make energy and operational systems more transparent. By collecting and analysing operating data, it is possible to gain a better understanding of system conditions and manage operational processes more effectively.
Artificial intelligence can help analyse large volumes of data, identify patterns and reveal potential areas for optimisation. This creates additional opportunities to adapt technical systems to changing requirements and to enhance their operation based on data.
Smart buildings as part of modern energy systems
Heating, cooling and energy – all interconnected
Buildings are an integral part of energy infrastructure. This is where different systems for heating, cooling and water supply come together. Their increasing digitalisation is opening up new opportunities to connect these systems and to align their operation more effectively to their specific use.
Digital control and building management systems can consolidate operating data and help make energy flows more transparent. Smart pump technology supports demand-based supply and can help manage operating processes more efficiently.
Case study: EBZ Bochum, Germany
At the European Training Centre for the Housing and Property Sector (EBZ) in Bochum, the ‘smart boiler room’ is exploring the opportunities that digitally connecting technical systems offers for building operations.
One part of the project is the Wilo-Stratos MAXO. The connected pump technology supports the generation and distribution of heating and cooling within the building. Operating data can be used to adapt the system controls to the relevant requirements.
The project demonstrates how digital connectivity and smart pump technology can work together, and what opportunities this presents for the operation of modern buildings.
Integrating renewable energies
Water technology for new energy applications
As more and more renewable energy installations are built, the demands placed on technical systems are also changing. Generation and consumption may fluctuate more significantly and must be aligned in different applications.
Our water technology is also used in systems that utilise renewable energy sources. These include, for instance, heat pump and solar thermal energy systems, as well as hydropower applications.
Digital functions make it possible to continuously monitor operating conditions and control systems in line with current conditions. This allows different operational requirements and energy flows to be factored in more effectively within technical systems.
Case study: Wilopark, Dortmund, Germany
Wilopark, the Wilo Group’s headquarters in Dortmund, brings together technologies for the generation, storage and use of energy.
Part of the solar power generated is used in the H2POWERPLANT to produce and store green hydrogen. The H2POWERPLANT produces hydrogen through electrolysis, using electricity from solar, wind and hydropower. When needed, a fuel cell converts the hydrogen back into electrical energy. The waste heat is either used in the interconnected system for heating, stored or converted into cooling on site. Under certain circumstances, utilising waste heat can increase the proportion of usable energy in the overall system.
The Wilopark demonstrates how different energy technologies can interact within an integrated energy system.
Resilient infrastructure for reliable supply
Monitoring, understanding and operating technical systems proactively
A reliable energy supply also depends on the stable operation of technical systems. Particularly in larger buildings and complex infrastructure, digital monitoring and intelligent control can help identify changes at an early stage and make targeted adjustments to operating processes.
The continuous collection of operating data creates transparency regarding the condition of systems. In conjunction with digital analysis methods and artificial intelligence, this can yield additional information, for example on anomalies, changes in operation or potential maintenance requirements.
Case study: Crédit Agricole Franche-Comté
Pumps from the Wilo-Stratos MAXO series were installed as part of the extension to the Crédit Agricole Franche-Comté headquarters. The control system adapts operation to actual demand and enables flow rates to be controlled in line with requirements.
This enables a targeted analysis of energy use during building operation and allows the technical supply to be tailored to different operating conditions. The project shows how smart building services and digital controls can help make energy consumption and operating processes more transparent.
Advancing energy supply
Linking water technology, digitalisation and AI
The energy transition is not only changing the way energy is generated, but also the technical systems used to utilise and distribute it. Efficient systems, digital controls and different energy sources are becoming increasingly interconnected.
Our water technology is part of these interconnected systems. Combining digital technologies and artificial intelligence opens up further opportunities to analyse operating data, manage systems more effectively and further develop existing applications.
