In 2007, an indirectly heated roller hearth furnace (built by Wienstroth Wärmebehandlungstechnik GmbH) with energy-efficient REKUMAT® burners was put into operation at a Schaeffler plant in Germany.
These burners were already serviced last fall at WS Wärmeprozesstechnik GmbH in Renningen and adapted so that, thanks to the FLOX® technology with both natural gas and H2 can be operated as a fuel with high efficiency and lowest emissions. Successful commissioning with natural gas has already been carried out by Wienstroth. After the hydrogen infrastructure has been established, commissioning will be carried out with H2 as fuel gas.
With this and other conversions as well as newly built projects, Schaeffler is demonstrating its comprehensive commitment to sustainability while investing in the long-term future of the respective plants.
Due to the decades of experience at WS Wärmeprozesstechnik GmbH with hydrogen as well as the patented FLOX® technology, the adaptation to H2 as fuel is possible for many existing plants with reasonable effort, without having to install new burners. In addition, significant efficiency gains can be realized for many plants. Until the necessary hydrogen infrastructure is available, continued operation on natural gas or mixtures of natural gas and hydrogen is possible.
There was a lot to celebrate at the WS Summer Party 2024. Around 250 guests spent a thoroughly successful day in Renningen in the best weather and found out about the many new developments in the WS Group. Good food and a cold drink or two ensured a great atmosphere and fond memories.
Several high-ranking delegations from China visited WS in Renningen to find out about the best industrial burner technology available. The focus of the visit was on the low-emission and efficient heating of electric conveyor belt systems. Due to the increasing production of electric vehicles, this market segment is currently experiencing an upswing, particularly in Asia.
Fast for the few or slow for everyone? WS is pursuing its own concept when it comes to expanding the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. In order to achieve a low-cost yet effective charging system on the factory premises, WS consistently relies on a low charging capacity.
With the help of a new electrolyser and surplus electricity from its own PV systems with a capacity of over 400 kWp, WS will supply the laboratories in Renningen with green hydrogen in future. Following the installation of the electrolyser at the end of 2023, the storage and pipeline infrastructure is now also fully operational.
Rexnord Kette GmbH and WS have successfully modernized a belt furnace, reducing the furnace's CO2 emissions by 35%. In addition to new burners with maximum energy efficiency, the optimization of the operating mode also contributes to the CO2 reduction.
Baden-Württemberg's Prime Minsiter Winfried Kretschmann visits WS in Renningen to find out about activities in the field of hydrogen. In addition to the production of green hydrogen from biogas and decentralized ammonia cracking, the high-ranking visit also focuses on the highly efficient and low-emission industrial burners manufactured by WS.
