GÜNTNER’S COMMITMENT TO REDUCING ENERGY CONSUMPTION CAN BE SEEN IN BOTH ITS PRODUCTS AND ITS PLANTS
As every year goes by, the world’s demand for energy increases. And despite the growing use of renewable sources, most of the energy we generate still comes from burning coal and fossil fuels. This in turn creates the greenhouse gases that are heating up our planet.
At Güntner, we take our environmental responsibilities very seriously and we aim to minimise the use of energy both in the products that we design and at our plants around the world where we manufacture them.
Güntner’s aicore™ air smart controller optimises the energy efficiency of an entire refrigeration system. It is designed to automatically adjust the operation of the system to reflect changes in load, weather conditions and operating requirements, allowing energy consumption to be cut by up to 30%. The controller also initiates daily cleaning of the heat exchanger block, preventing any unnecessary energy use as a result of soiling.
In cooling systems using Güntner’s hydroBLU™ technology, the aicore™ fusion smart controller offers an energy saving mode that prioritises adiabatic cooling as the primary method for maintaining system temperatures or pressures, reducing the energy consumption of the units. Although this means an increase in water usage, the patented Güntner algorithm optimises the volume of water necessary for the given ambient conditions. The aicore™ fusion controller also has an efficiency mode that allows users to prioritise either electricity or water usage based on cost.
Güntner is also taking significant steps to reduce energy use in our plants and offices. Specific actions include the following:
ASIA
At our plant in Surabaya, Indonesia, a new drying oven has been installed that cuts drying time by almost 50% and reduces energy use by around 70%. Energy was being expended when lights were not turned off during break periods, and this has been remedied by introducing a timer system for the lighting.
EUROPE
At our plants in Sibiu, Romania, and Tata, Hungary, a new powder coating process has been introduced in the manufacturing process that can reduce the amount of gas required for heating by around a third. Originally stemming from Güntner’s Thinkit programme, which gave colleagues the opportunity to develop innovations on a sustainability theme, the process involves the use of a different chemical mix that works at much lower temperatures than previously.
At Sibiu, air circulation and insulation projects aimed at stopping heat loss from the two factories resulted in annual gas savings of around a third. In Tata, a much more efficient gas boiler for water heating has been installed, saving up to 20 cubic metres of natural gas per operating hour.
NORTH AMERICA
At our offices in Mexico, we have begun a project to install smart thermostats for air conditioning. So far they have been introduced in the two main central systems spaces and have reduced energy consumption by 30%. Shop floor lighting is also being updated with LED lights, which use considerably less energy than traditional incandescent lighting and also last far longer.
SOUTH AMERICA
Switching to renewable energy whenever possible is as important as energy conservation. Currently, Brazil's energy supply consists of 85% renewable energy, with 60% coming from hydroelectric plants.
Consumers have the choice of buying their electricity from a distribution company or entering a free market and buying it direct from a generator or trader. The latter option offers the opportunity of using energy that only comes from renewable sources, and this is the route that our Güntner plant in Brazil will soon be taking.
From 2024, our plant will use only green energy, making us the first company in the country to reach this important sustainability landmark. We will be 100% certified, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability.