A New District with Special Requirements
In Bremen, on the site of the former Kellogg’s factory, a modern residential and commercial district is being developed. The investor set out to realize a sustainable and innovative concept that meets the demands of a contemporary urban quarter.
Challenge
The district required both heating and cooling - a dual requirement to be addressed. To find a cost-effective and sustainable solution for the already ongoing project, Xylem was engaged as a water-extraction and treatment expert. The goal was to create a reliable and efficient river water heat pump system, drawing from the nearby River Weser, to make the district independent from utility providers.
Solution
Within just three weeks, Xylem developed a custom concept for water extraction and treatment from the Weser River. Their scope included the planning, design, and supply of pumps, filtration systems, heat exchangers and infrastructure to condition the river water for use. While the actual heat pump was delivered and installed by a separate partner, Xylem was responsible for the complete waterhandling infrastructure enabling its operation.
Key components of the solution included:
- An anti-icing system for climate control
- Seasonal ice utilization for a planned ice rink
- Intelligent design that maximizes both efficiency and cost-effectiveness
These features convinced the investor of the system’s overall value.
Outcome
The installation is now successfully operational. A notable engineering feat involved installing the pumps in a 6 to 7meter-high sheet-pile wall along the Weser, precisely positioned by crane on schedule. The system reliably supplies the district with treated river water for heating, cooling, and ensures full independence from municipal energy providers.
Thanks to the project’s economic viability, high operational reliability, and flexibility, Xylem was selected as the preferred partner for the investor’s future developments.
