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Things are never boring in the cogeneration sector. We want you to form part of our cosmos and will provide you with updates about the latest developments at Kraftwerk, exciting CHP projects and current technical and legal framework conditions from time to time.

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Hof Langacker is one of the most innovative farm operations in the Swiss Alps. During structural alterations to the shed for dairy cows, a biogas plant was constructed which can ferment the cows’ excretions to produce biogas. The biogas is then used as a fuel for the CHP unit, meeting the growing requirements for electricity due to automation.
There is also an unexpected advantage: the cows also benefit from this change. The additional warmth generated by the Mephisto CHP unit is used for the underfloor heating in the cowshed.

Mephisto G50 in the Swiss Alps

We are continuing with our Kraftwerk dezentral events series: The symposium in Lörrach took place with our long-standing partner EnerTec dezentrale Energiesysteme GmbH on 11 April 2024.

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The day’s programme included a visit to the CHP unit in nearby Maulburg. Inspecting the Mephisto G50 paired with a biomass and peak load boiler made a nice change from theory sessions on CHP unit project planning for energy transition.

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We thank all participants for the stimulating debate and constructive exchange of ideas.

Kraftwerk dezentral symposium in Lörrach

The energy system’s transition towards renewable energies is fortunately gaining considerable momentum. This also changes the requirements for cogeneration units with a shift away from constantly seeking to replace coal-based electricity generation towards a flexible generator which produces residual load. The combination between CHP units and heat pumps is emerging as a suitable concept offering a promising future.

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We address this transformation in detail in our new brochure Sector coupling with CHP units and heat pumps. In this brochure, we introduce our new product portfolio, which, alongside our time-tested Mephisto combined heat and power units, includes our new higher-level controller Direktor and heat pumps that complement our CHP services. We also provide information about our extended services, such as integral energy systems development and simulation.

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Learn more in the brochure available at the link below or feel free to contact us directly. From late May, we will also be providing comprehensive information on all new offerings on our website and offering extensive background knowledge on CHP units and heat pumps in the context of the energy transition.

CHP units and heat pumps – a team delivering energy transition

Our Kraftwerk dezentral symposium took place in Altensteig Wart on 29 February 2024, organised in conjunction with our long-standing partner, OTTE BHKW Technik GmbH, based near Stuttgart. The symposium scrutinised innovative concepts for using combining heat pumps and combined heat and power units together.

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The event not only included theory sessions but also allowed the 40 participants to visit a local heating plant. Interactions and stimulating discussions during the symposium helped to broaden knowledge and provide inspiration for decentralised cogeneration as part of energy transition.

Kraftwerk dezentral symposium in Altensteig Wart

CDU Member of Bundestag Dr Hendrik Hoppenstedt paid us a visit and took a detailed tour of our plant in Hannover on 14 February 2024. The crucial role of combined heat and power generation in the future energy system was thoroughly discussed during his visit. This technology makes a major contribution to sustainable energy supply, offering innovative solutions for the challenges of energy transition. Dr Hoppenstedt stressed the importance of such advanced energy concepts for a resource-efficient, environmentally friendly future.

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Many thanks for your visit!

Member of Bundestag Dr Hendrik Hoppenstedt visits Kraftwerk

The Am Schilfpark district has been created in Hamburg-Bergedorf with nine apartment buildings and a total of 273 apartments. The heating required is supplied by a district heating system, where two Mephisto G50 CHP units and two gas boilers are in operation.

Partially operated with green hydrogen, our CHP units contributed to decarbonisation as part of the European <a href="https://www.mysmartlife.eu/">mySMARTLife</a> project in 2021 and 2022.

During this time, the hydrogen content in the fuel mix gradually increased to 30 vol.%. The CHP system operated without a hitch throughout. The project thus offers a working example showing that partial operation with environmentally friendly generated hydrogen is already safe and reliable in residential areas today.

You can find out more about the project from our client <a href="https://www.enercity-contracting.de/referenzen/am-schilfpark">enercity Contracting</a> and from <a href="https://www.gasnetz-hamburg.de/fuer-die-zukunft/wasserstoff/mysmartlife">Gasnetz Hamburg</a> (in german).

Hydrogen CHP unit in Am Schilfpark residential district

In the heart of Berlin, two Mephisto G50 combined heat and power units not only help to generate energy-efficient heat and electricity in the government quarter but also make a small contribution to Franco-German friendship. The housings covering the CHP cascade at the French Embassy on Pariser Platz exude a unique brilliance: le drapeau tricolore flies next to the European Union flag as the Liaison Office of the European Parliament is located in the adjacent building.

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The CHP modules were installed without a hitch thanks to the good teamwork between all parties involved – from technical planning and heating engineering through to the gendarmerie. The system needed to be brought in as individual dismantled parts to avoid surpassing weight restrictions in certain parts of the building. The systems were fully disassembled when delivered ex works for this purpose and then reassembled and put into operation on site by our installation specialists.

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Another encouraging piece of news is that the CHP cascade in the French embassy is featured as CHP unit of the month in the magazine Energie &amp; Management’s January 2024 edition.

Bleu, blanc, rouge

Following the amendment of the German Buildings Energy Act (GEG), Lower Saxony's Minister of Economic Affairs Olaf Lies accepted an invitation from Kraftwerk to visit our factory and learn about the advantages of combined heat and power.

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An intensive discussion at our test bench ensued with Lies, who also happens to be an engineer, about the technical requisites for ensuring the successful energy transition. The minister made it clear that he sees combined heat and power generation as a crucial key technology to supply buildings and neighbourhoods, especially due to its highly flexible electricity production and grid-compatible characteristics. Furthermore, he considered it to be an optimal complement to heat pumps since both technologies can exploit their respective strengths when combined. This is why combined heat and power generation must continue to play a role within technology-neutral energy transition.

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We would like to express our heartfelt thanks once again for the opportunity to present combined heat and power generation to supply buildings and neighbourhoods in more detail and for the excellent, highly interesting dialogue.

Lower Saxony’s Minister of Economic Affairs Olaf Lies at Kraftwerk

Our CHP specialist planner symposium took place in Hamburg-Bergedorf on 8 June 2023 as part of our Kraftwerk dezentral series. Besides fundamental aspects of combined heat and power (CHP) planning, the main topics included combining CHP and heat pumps and the role of CHP in the energy transition. Another item on the agenda was the presentation and tour of a heating plant featuring a Mephisto G50 CHP cascade, which was successfully operated with up to 30% green hydrogen as part of a research project.

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We were delighted by the numerous participants and wish to express our heartfelt thanks for the interest and stimulating contributions to discussions. Further events in the series are planned for Berlin and Hannover in the autumn with dates to be announced soon.

Kraftwerk dezentral specialist planner symposium in Hamburg

In use at more than 500 locations, the Mephisto G50 has long been established on the market. To cover even more application cases, we are now also offering you a sister model with a synchronous generator: the Mephisto G50 synchron.

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The synchronous version brings advantages for certain applications compared to the asynchronous generator. For example, it can be operated alongside larger photovoltaic systems without the need for a medium voltage certificate. Moreover, the Mephisto G50 synchron is also suitable for energy self-sufficient microgrid solutions or use in emergency power operation thanks to its network-synchronous operating mode.

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As with its sister model, the Mephisto G50 synchron also uses a water-cooled generator to achieve maximum thermal efficiency and few energy losses. You will find detailed technical data in our product overview and on the data sheet at the link below.

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You can acquire the Mephisto G50 synchron from us now in natural, liquefied and bio/sewage gas versions with deliveries start in November 2023.  You are welcome to contact us for an in-depth consultation on synchronous operation.

Début: Mephisto G50 synchronous

Our CHP Future event was a resounding success. A total of 39 participants came together in Hannover on two dates to discuss the future prospects of combined heat and power (CHP) in detail.

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CHP’s role in energy transition, a presentation of innovative supply concepts and the beneficial combination of CHP units and heat pumps were the primary items on the event programme. Also included was a visit to our new plant in the Linden Port area and the presentation of our CHP unit test benches, which have been integrated into our heating and cooling supply for our new building.

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We finished off the events with everyone gathering together on the terrace in glorious weather. We’d like to thank all the participants for the pleasant atmosphere and stimulating discussions.

CHP Future symposium at Kraftwerk

The use of renewable gases for electricity and heat generation is gaining in importance for energy transition. Since the beginning of the year, we have been offering our Mephisto combined heat and power units ranging from 20 to 50 kW in both electric and biogas and sewage gas versions. Stoichiometric combustion (Lambda-1 mode) take place in both engines and in natural gas mode, ensuring minimal pollutant emissions and optimum electrical efficiency. On a structural level, you benefit from all the well-known advantages of the Mephisto series, including the compact design, excellent sound insulation properties and versatile control functions.

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You will find detailed technical data for our biogas CHP units on our product pages and in the product catalogue linked below. Feel free to contact us for a personal consultation for your biogas or sewage gas project.

Biogas and sewage gas in Mephisto CHP units

After a construction period of over a year and extensive preparations, Kraftwerk managed to move into its own new building in the Hannover district of Linden on 1 October 2022. Due to our company’s strong growth in recent years, our established location at Zur Bettfedernfabrik could no longer provide us with the space we needed. At the new location, we have a total of 1,900 m² of warehouse and production space and 1,500 m² of office space, providing us with entirely new ways of working together and extensive potential for further growth. Moreover, Kraftwerk is now fully prepared for the transformation process towards a carbon-neutral future of CHP technology with a total of eight CHP test stands and the option to use hydrogen and biogas there.

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We’d be very pleased to welcome you to one of our upcoming events in our new building.

Kraftwerk in new building in Linden Port area

TÜV Rheinland has studied how compatible hydrogen is with combined heat and power units for the first time and certified the Mephisto model range to operate with up to 20% hydrogen content in a gas-hydrogen mixture. TÜV Rheinland and Kraftwerk thus lay the groundwork for cross-manufacturer comparability of the H2-Ready seal.

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The TÜV Rheinland test catalogue goes beyond the requirements in the typical standards used in the sector, such as EN 50465 or the EU Gas Appliances Regulation, thus ensuring added safety for the use of hydrogen in combined heat and power units.

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Kraftwerk is thus the first manufacturer whose entire CHP product line has been certified by TÜV Rheinland for hydrogen blending. You will find more details about certification on the TÜV Rheinland website.

H2-ready certified by the TÜV Rheinland

Late November saw Kraftwerk attending GET Nord in Hamburg, the trade fair for electrical, sanitary, heating and climate technology in northern Germany. Over three days, we showcased our Mephisto G8 models and the new biogas variant of the Mephisto G50, engaging in many inspiring conversations with both new and existing contacts. We’d like to express our thanks to all visitors and partners for their numerous visits and are already looking forward to <a href="https://www.get-nord.de/">GET Nord 2024</a>.

GET Nord 2022 in Hamburg

Lindenhof residential district is a newly constructed residential complex covering 7,000 m² in the central German town of Gifhorn. The environment and climate protection are a top priority here and present the challenge of involving residents in the energy supply. A contemporary heating system was designed here with a natural gas Mephisto combined heat and power unit by Kraftwerk Kraft­ Wärme­ Kopplung GmbH to ensure energy-efficient, environmentally aware living, The Mephisto CHP unit is the core of the first energy efficiency district in Gifhorn.

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A glass wall showcases the resource-efficient electricity and heat generation by combined heat and power, making it visible to residents and allowing them to monitor the energy supply to the entire residential district. A CHP unit with an electrical output of 50 kW is also featured in La Patria, the second energy efficiency district in Gifhorn. The necessary supply to the district is assured from a financial perspective thanks to a favourable payback period. A comprehensive maintenance contract with Kraftwerk also guarantees that the systems are duly maintained.

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The upshot is that the local heating networks in place in the energy efficiency districts can reduce CO2 emissions by tons every year.

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Technical data
<ul>
 	<li>Mephisto G50</li>
 	<li>Electrical output (variable) – 50 kW</li>
 	<li>Thermal output (variable) – 100.7 kW</li>
 	<li>Electrical energy – 174,000 kWh per year</li>
 	<li>Thermal energy – 310,500 kWh per year</li>
 	<li>CO2 reduction – 130.5 t per year</li>
</ul>

Residential district in Gifhorn

The Bremer Höhe residential building co-operative manages a listed residential complex in the Berlin district of Prenzlauer Berg, where heating and electricity from Mephisto combined heat and power units have been supplied to 455 apartments and twelve commercial units since back in 2001.

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One special feature in this building is that the modules are located in the loft above the fourth floor in these old Berlin buildings and not in the basement, where heating systems are usually situated.

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With the help of a truck-mounted crane and very careful handling, three Mephisto G50 condensing CHP units were last guided into the loft in 2018, where they replaced the smaller modules previously installed there.

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The project was planned and financed by Berliner Energieagentur, which also manages operations as part of a comprehensive contracting agreement. It thus guarantees the area’s energy supply will remain efficient and sustainable for the long term. A cooperative partnership with atmosfair also compensates for the remaining emissions with a climate project in Nepal.

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The trade magazine Energie &amp; Management named the project CHP unit of the month in April 2020.

Technical data
<ul>
 	<li>Mephisto G50 (3 modules)</li>
 	<li>Electrical output (variable) – 150 kW</li>
 	<li>Thermal output (variable) – 302.1 kW</li>
 	<li>Electrical energy – 1,021,500 kWh per year</li>
 	<li>Thermal energy – 2,057,300 kWh per year</li>
 	<li>CO2 reduction – 766 t per year</li>
</ul>

Bremer Höhe residential complex

The administrative district of Stade has been converting its properties to efficient energy supply systems for some time now. It was Friedrich Fröbel School’s turn in 2018. The project involved installing a buffer tank, a new gas-fired condensing boiler and a Mephisto condensing combined heat and power unit with an electrical output of 20 kW.

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Friedrich Fröbel, the educator who gives the school its name, would have been pleased with the system. A student of Swiss educational reformer Pestalozzi, the pedagogue preferred to see children nurtured like flowers. He believed educators shouldn't force children to learn, but should create favourable conditions for growth and development from within instead. The term kindergarten originates from this concept and is used worldwide for such education institutions.

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Environmental protection and resource conservation are integral to creating favourable growth conditions for future generations.  Using highly efficient electricity and heat generation from a Mephisto combined heat and power unit, installed locally at the point of consumption, is a cornerstone for energy transition. The administrative district of Stade is setting an example.

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Technical data
<ul>
 	<li>Mephisto G20+</li>
 	<li>Electrical output (variable) – 20 kW</li>
 	<li>Thermal output (variable) – 46.7 kW</li>
 	<li>Electrical energy – 135,200 kWh per year</li>
 	<li>Thermal energy – 306,500 kWh per year</li>
 	<li>CO2 reduction – 75.4 t per year</li>
</ul>

Friedrich Fröbel School in Stade

The family-run Blumenhain senior living and nursing home in Borken was established in 1981. In addition to increasing the capacity for care over the last 35 years, the owners also invested in efficient heat and power generation in 2004.  The Blumenhain senior living home has managed to cover its electricity and heating requirements to an optimum extent by installing a cascade consisting of two Mephisto condensing combined heat and power units with an electrical output of 34 kW each.

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Thanks to the good working relationship with Kraft-Wärme-Kopplung GmbH, the Freidhof-Debes family decided to replace the two old modules with a new Mephisto combined heat and power generation unit twelve years later. Kraftwerk carried out a cost efficiency analysis based on the current consumption levels and designed a suitable CHP unit with adequate capacity for the premises.

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A Mephisto unit with an electrical output of 50 kW was installed as a result. Kraftwerk added this module to its product range in 2015 and it is able to cover the retirement home’s energy consumption to an optimum extent. The module supplies both the main building and the adjacent café-restaurant via a small local heating network.

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Technical data
<ul>
 	<li>Mephisto G50</li>
 	<li>Electrical output (variable) – 50 kW</li>
 	<li>Thermal output (variable) – 100.7 kW</li>
 	<li>Electrical energy – 361,500 kWh per year</li>
 	<li>Thermal energy – 642,500 kWh per year</li>
 	<li>CO2 reduction – 271.1 t per year</li>
</ul>

Blumenhain senior living and nursing home

The Freiherr vom Stein Grammar School in Hamm has recently acquired a newly upgraded heating system directly beneath the school yard. Four chimneys protrude from the yard floor, indicating that a power plant lies below. The school authorities decided to use combined heat and power generation to provide environmentally friendly energy generation and reduce CO2 emissions.

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Municipal utility Stadtwerke Hamm invited bids to install a 50 kW condensing combined heat and power unit. Hannover-based Kraft-Wärme-Kopplung GmbH won the contract. The utility had already experienced a good working relationship with the Mephisto range manufacturer and was impressed by the technology and the long life spans.  The module’s aqua soundproof housing and the supplied sound insulation base both help to ensure peace and tranquillity reign in the classrooms. An additional flue gas silencer was installed in addition to the three standard exhaust mufflers.

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The upshot is that the Mephisto G50 remains a financially and ecologically sound alternative for energy generation, even though schools have holiday periods.

Technical data
<ul>
 	<li>Mephisto G50</li>
 	<li>Electrical output (variable) – 50 kW</li>
 	<li>Thermal output (variable) – 100.7 kW</li>
 	<li>Electrical energy – 312,000 kWh per year</li>
 	<li>Thermal energy – 550,500 kWh per year</li>
 	<li>CO2 reduction – 234.0 t per year</li>
</ul>

Freiherr vom Stein Grammar School in Hamm

The University of the Arts Bremen has benefited from the financial and ecological advantages of local combined heat and power generation since early 2016. The institution has been guided by the Green University principle since 2011. The Green University Working Group primarily focuses on reconciling artistic and creative design with environmental concerns. To achieve this goal, a Mephisto condensing combined heat and power unit with specific requirements was commissioned from Kraftwerk Kraft-Wärme-Kopplung GmbH and included a full maintenance contract.

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The company faced a particular challenge posed by the preferred location for the combined heat and power unit on the third floor of an old warehouse building in Bremen’s Überseestadt district. The limited space for installation and the existing preservation order for the building required creative pre-planning.  The cotton warehouse’s former loading floor was specially adapted to the Mephisto combined heat and power unit and the surrounding rooms. The highlight of this design is the floor-to-ceiling windows, which showcase the heat and power unit in the charming framework of Bremen’s Überseestadt.

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The University of the Arts Bremen shows that an environmentally friendly approach can be displayed creatively and prominently - the Mephisto combined heat and power unit has its place in the sun.

Technical data
<ul>
 	<li>Mephisto G34</li>
 	<li>Electrical output (variable) – 34 kW</li>
 	<li>Thermal output (variable) – 78 kW</li>
 	<li>Electrical energy – 186,000 kWh per year</li>
 	<li>Thermal energy – 405,500 kWh per year</li>
 	<li>CO2 reduction – 139.5 t per year</li>
</ul>

University of the Arts Bremen

Located south of Bremerhaven, the municipality of Loxstedt decided to invest in efficient heat and power co-generation in 2008. Based on the positive experiences of the engineering consultancy managing the project, Kraftwerk Kraft-Wärme-Kopplung GmbH was commissioned directly to provide its Mephisto G20+. With an electrical output of 20 kW, this condensing combined heat and power unit impressed with its small footprint, high efficiency and comprehensive service offering.

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In 2014, Kraftwerk was awarded another contract for a combined heat and power unit, which has since found its home at the fire station in Loxstedt. The new module at the fire station also supplies a small local heating network. During the day, the combined heat and power unit supplies power to a preschool while the energy it provides at night is used in the fire station and to power street lighting in the centre of the town. The surplus CHP electricity generated by the town hall and the fire station is fed into the public grid. The municipality benefits from its investment in its Mephisto combined heat and power units and the return on the investment calculated during the financial feasibility study has been achieved.

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Technical data

Mephisto G16+
<ul>
 	<li>Electrical output (variable) – 16 kW</li>
 	<li>Thermal output (variable) – 35.3 kW</li>
 	<li>Electrical energy – 68,000 kWh per year</li>
 	<li>Thermal energy – 198,500 kWh per year</li>
 	<li>CO2 reduction – 51.0 t per year</li>
</ul>
Mephisto G20+
<ul>
 	<li>Electrical output (variable) – 20 kW</li>
 	<li>Thermal output (variable) – 46.7 kW</li>
 	<li>Electrical energy – 82,500 kWh per year</li>
 	<li>Thermal energy – 189,500 kWh per year</li>
 	<li>CO2 reduction – 61.9 t per year</li>
</ul>