Maxwell Increases Cooling System Capacity at Second Industrial Plant
Reposted from FMLink (Facility Management News and Resources from the McMorrow Reports
by Janet B. Stroud — October 21, 2024
Dublin-based HT Materials Science (HTMS) recently announced the successful deployment of Maxwell, a ground-breaking heat transfer fluid for commercial and industrial cooling and heating systems, at an industrial plant. The plant, located in Ludwigshafen, Germany, is owned and operated by Almatis GmbH, a world leader in the development, manufacture and supply of premium alumina (aluminum oxide) and alumina-based products.
Maxwell increased segments of the plant’s cooling system capacity by approximately 20%, which results in an increase in production capacity by an estimated 10% or more per year. The Ludwigshafen plant produces high-quality materials for the refractory, ceramic and polishing industries, and is one of the company’s eight production facilities.
The installation was commissioned to demonstrate that Maxwell could reduce the plant’s maintenance requirements and increase production capacity during certain periods of high ambient temperature. This is the second industrial plant in which Maxwell has been used to achieve similar results.
Maxwell is an engineered suspension of sub-micron particles in a base fluid of water or water/glycol (“nanofluid”). Maxwell is a drop-in additive for cooling and heating systems, that works by enhancing heat transfer resulting in reduced energy consumption and increased thermal system capacity.
Almatis’ Ruediger Bastian, global director of Process Technology, stated:
This project is a testament to our pursuit of energy efficiency at every level of our operations. We are always looking for ways to accelerate the energy transition and provide more efficient services that benefit our customers, our stakeholder and the communities in which we operate. This successful project proves the power of international partnership and technological collaboration, and we look forward to working with HTMS to further the application of their technology to advance sustainable cooling solutions.
How Maxwell Works In a Chilled Water System
When added to a chilled water loop at 2% concentration, Maxwell increases the system’s cooling capacity by up to 20%, explains HTMS. This increased cooling capacity allows chillers, pumps, heat exchangers and other process equipment to operate more efficiently, reducing electrical energy consumption and carbon emissions. Maxwell is non-toxic, non-corrosive, fully recoverable and recyclable.
Thomas Grizzetti, CEO of HTMS, remarked:
Thanks to the ease of installation, and use in both new and existing cooling and heating systems, Maxwell can have a material impact on energy usage and the carbon footprint of a broad range of industries and sectors globally. Maxwell is a significant step forward for businesses wishing to drive down energy use, increase system capacity and meet regulated energy efficiency targets increasingly promulgated by governments globally.
HTMS is one of 15 start-ups from across Europe picked to be part of this year’s bigger-than-ever Amazon Sustainability Accelerator. HTMS is among the participants hoping to grow by helping other businesses reduce their impact on the environment.
HTMS Awarded Ecovadis Bronze Medal for Sustainability
World-recognized organisation assesses the sustainability performance of companies
DUBLIN, Oct. 22, 2024
HT Materials Science recently applied for the EcoVadis global sustainability rating. We are proud to announce that we have been awarded the Bronze Medal in our first-ever rating.
EcoVadis is a world-recognized organisation which assesses the sustainability performance of companies by evaluating the environmental, social and ethical aspects of their operations.
Achieving the Bronze Medal demonstrates the HTMS commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. It reflects the dedication and hard work of our employees in integrating sustainable principles and practices into our daily operations.
Our participation in the Ecovadis platform and network provides HTMS with valuable feedback and support in continuing to improve our ratings in each of the key evaluation categories, enhancing our company-wide efforts toward outstanding corporate sustainability.
Nanofluid Technology in Select Amazon UK Fulfilment Centers
HT Materials Science Selected by Amazon to Pilot Energy-Efficient Nanofluid Technology
DUBLIN, Oct. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/
HT Materials Science (HTMS), a pioneering green tech company specializing in energy-efficient solutions, has been selected as one of eleven sustainability-focused start-ups that will trial their technology with Amazon across Europe after receiving funding in this year’s Amazon Sustainability Accelerator. HTMS will pilot its cutting-edge Maxwell™ nanofluid technology across three Amazon fulfilment centers in the UK—Coventry, Daventry, and Doncaster.
HTMS’ innovative solution is designed to improve the performance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC) by enhancing heat transfer efficiency. Maxwell™, which has already garnered international recognition, including the prestigious Green Product Award, is expected to reduce energy consumption in some of Amazon’s UK HVAC systems by up to 14%.
“We are thrilled to be piloting our technology with Amazon as part of this year’s Amazon Sustainability Accelerator,” said Ben Taylor, Vice President of HT Materials Science. “Maxwell™ has the potential to deliver significant energy savings and reduce the associated carbon emissions across the fulfilment centers. By improving the energy efficiency of these HVAC systems, we are supporting Amazon’s sustainability commitments and demonstrating the real-world impact of our technology.”
The pilot will kick off in 2024, with the technology being integrated into Amazon’s heating and cooling systems at key fulfilment centers. HTMS’ nanofluid solution has been designed to increase thermal conductivity, enabling HVAC systems to operate more efficiently without requiring additional energy inputs. The result is a reduction in energy use, lower operational costs and a significant decrease in carbon emissions.
A Potential Long-Term Partnership
Throughout the pilot, HTMS will work closely with Amazon’s subject matter experts and seek opportunities to refine its technology to ensure a successful implementation. Upon completion, the environmental impact, financial viability and overall effectiveness will be assessed to determine whether it can be scaled across other HVAC systems at Amazon sites as part of a long-term partnership.
HTMS is one of eleven start-ups from across Europe (as well as the US and Canada) that have been awarded the opportunity to test their innovations with Amazon operations.
About Amazon Sustainability Accelerator
Since its launch in 2022, the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator has supported over 40 start-ups across Europe and the UK. The initiative provides funding, mentorship, and the opportunity for start-ups to pilot their technologies within Amazon’s operations, with the goal of driving sustainable innovation and reducing the company’s environmental impact.