Barmenia Versicherungen, one of Germany’s leading insurance companies, is constructing new headquarters in Wuppertal, North Rhine-Westphalia. The subtly elegant and reassuringly professional complex is being built in several phases by construction consultant, Caverion GmbH.
Energy efficiency, low maintenance and environmental sustainable installations are top priorities in the new building. Grundfos was chosen as sole pump supplier for heating, water treatment and air-conditioning.
The Situation
The heating and cooling systems are powered by steam (performance: approx. 4.5 MW) from a district heating supplier. This is also used for the cold water production in two absorption chillers with an overall performance of approx. 4 MW.
Fan coils throughout the building are fed with 12°C water.
The Grundfos Solution
Engineering consultants, Caverion GmbH, specified the upgraded MAGNA for both the heating and air-conditioning systems. The upgrade makes the MAGNA an excellent choice for fan coils, chilled ceilings, air-handling units or secondary air-con units.
A new insulation shell and technical adjustments safeguard the electronics against condensation. The MAGNA can even be used in a dual heating/air-conditioning system, pumping heating water one day and air-conditioning the next.
Low energy costs are probably the main argument for installing MAGNA. The permanent magnet rotor is a born energy saver, and the optimised hydraulics further enhance energy efficiency.
The Outcome
MAGNA fulfils one of Barmenia’s main priorities. “We don’t notice them,” says Bernhad Hirt of Barmenia Building Services Department with a smile. “So we’re very satisfied.”
Leakage is prevented because the wet-runner MAGNA doesn’t have a shaft seal that can wear out. For the same reason maintenance needs are minimal compared with other pumps typically used in air-conditioning systems.
For Barmenia’s people in the building, MAGNA is quiet and unobtrusive. There’s no hint of noise in the system from motor fans.
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- reliable airconditioning
- lower energy costs
- lower maintenance costs
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| 2 Grundfos Magna |
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| In addition to the new MAGNA models, the Barmenia building also makes use of TP, TPE, CR, CRI, and CHI pumps- all from Grundfos. |
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Bernhad Hirt, Building Services Department, Barmenia Versicherungen
“The best pumps are those you never have to keep an eye on.” |
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| Relevant product families: |
> MAGNA/UPE Series 2000
> TPE
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