Waste heat recovery - a green approach

Float glass production

Two of the glass industry’s key challenges include cutting energy consumption during consumption and minimizing the level of CO₂ emissions. We offer a cutting-edge, waste heat recovery system for glass plants so that you can achieve climate targets and ensure you receive your operating licenses in the future. And the combined forces of the Grenzebach and CNUD EFCO GFT teams are working on further improvements.

Heat is an asset. You should make it earn interest.

The problem: during the glass melting process, much of the energy in the exhaust gas from the glass melting tanks is lost. WHR systems use this waste heat to generate electrical power, as well as heat and cooling energy for process and air-conditioning purposes.

This leads to a significant increase in energy efficiency, an improvement in the climate protection balance due to avoided C0₂ emissions, and considerable cost savings by reducing the amount of electricity and fossil fuel that has to be purchased.

Overview of benefits

Achievement of climate goals

The European glass industry has committed itself to reducing CO₂ emissions by over 20% by 2030, and the political pressure to achieve this goal will be even stronger in the future. WHR plants from Grenzebach and CNUD EFCO GFT can make a real contribution here on the basis of a proven, controlled technology. They offer the highest efficiency, the highest electrical power generation rates and outstanding availability under almost all operating conditions.

Cost savings

WHR plants generate electricity and, if required, heat and cooling energy. The consequent reduced need to buy energy leads to significant cost savings. Incredible but true: the use of our WHR systems on standard glass melting tanks enables the generation of all the electrical energy required to operate the flat glass production line!

System integration and facility performance

Our WHR systems are exclusively equipped with proven technology derived from power plant construction. Their smart integration into the production process means that the glass manufacturing process remains almost unaffected. Furthermore, there is a chance to achieve additional benefits by reducing operating or investment costs for peripheral equipment.

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Video: Waste heat recovery system for glass industry

“Climate protection and energy efficiency are huge issues for the glass industry and gaining momentum due to legislation and companies’ own targets. Waste heat recovery can be implemented today, even if the whole plant may be operated with hydrogen in the future. We’re developing agile solutions for the real world each and every day.”

Statement Dennis Schattauer on waste heat recovery

Dennis Schattauer Managing Director at German Floatglass Technology GmbH

The process

Waste heat recovery (WHR)

Based on controlled and proven technology, waste heat recovery plants enable improvements in energy efficiency and the reduction of resource consumption. The solution from Grenzebach and CNUD EFCO GFT stands out from other systems on the market due to its particularly high efficiency for power generation, which can be 35 percent or more. The WHR system uses the available thermal energy in the melting tank exhaust gas to produce steam at pressures up to 90 bar by integrating heat exchanger boiler systems into the exhaust gas flow. The steam is fed to the highly efficient turbine/generator unit to generate electrical energy.

Partnership and service that go the extra mile.

Our service for the glass industry

Construction and commissioning of a new glass production line is only the first stage in a good customer relationship. Professional service in daily operation is just as important: We want your investment to be profitable without any interruption – that’s why our engineers are there for you with guidance and support over the entire life cycle of the plant.

We Service

Technology & equipment

Float glass production

Tin bath

The tin bath is the heart of every float glass production line; it is a decisive quality factor. Consequently, at CNUD EFCO GFT, it is always tailored to each customer’s requirements. Using process simulation, we are able to extract the ultimate in yield and quality.

Annealing lehr

The annealing process is a decisive factor for quality, productivity, and efficiency. With our innovative systems, you can keep it fully under control: the latest technological control applications monitor your process at all times, prevent production losses and help to minimize downtime.

Waste heat recovery systems

Environment protection and economic efficiency can go hand in hand if the right solutions are used. With our innovative systems for waste heat recovery, you can make your glass production more energy-efficient and at the same time create a new source of energy for your company.

Utilities and central power supply

For a float glass plant to operate reliably and at peak performance, it needs a steady supply of energy and other media like natural gas, electricity, inert gas, tin and much more.

Conveying technology

Our technology conveys glass gently and precisely – even over distances greater than 100 meters or 110 yards. What’s more, our conveying solutions operate smoothly and have long service lives too.

Cutting technology

Cutting technology lies at the heart of the cold end of a float glass production line. Combined with the breaking system, the cutting heads, force-regulated controls and an intelligent optimization system form a superbly efficient unit.

Metrology

As a glass manufacturer, a stable production process is more important than ever these days. Grenzebach’s inspection and measurement procedures stand for advanced control methods and top product quality.

Stacking tin air speed stacker Grenzebach

Stacking technology

For the glass line’s stacking process to work well, it relies on a good sorting process. We can develop a smart system for you so that conveying and stacking are a class act.

Coating technology

Architectural glass showcases buildings. Grenzebach’s PVD coating technology turns the raw material into an energy-efficient component. PVD large-area glass coating is a core technology that meets requirements in terms of functionality and appearance.

Digitalization

Digitalization is opening the door to a spectacular future of glass production. Be a part of the journey with our digitalization solution for tomorrow’s glass production.