Environmental protection and energy consumption

We have dedicated a separate chapter to this topic, since the issues of environmental impact and energy consumption for refrigeration and cooling systems are of central importance for HM's strategy and technologies.

Protecting the environment is a core issue for HM. As responsible engineers, we develop systems with a view both to low energy consumption and also to their direct impact on the environment. This includes our use of renewable energy resources such as solar power and geothermal energy to heat buildings with heat pumps.

The cooling energy generated by HM equipment is produced by compressor refrigeration systems. Gas is compressed, liquefied by giving out heat and then vaporised at a reduced pressure. This evaporation process finally generates the cooling effect.
The gas for evaporation is the refrigerant with which the systems are filled. Depending on the size of the refrigeration system, the amount of refrigerant may be several hundred kilograms. With their complex pipe networks, such systems can tend to leak, allowing the refrigerant to enter the environment.

Chemical refrigerants have a high global warming potential and pose significant harm to the environment. Their technical characteristics are, however, very good. Natural refrigerants, on the other hand, such as ammonia, carbon dioxide or propane are toxic, flammable or present technical difficulties, but do not harm the environment in the event of leakage.
HM uses both chemical and natural refrigerants and has extensive knowledge of the possibilities available. Global warming potential is an important criterion in selecting the correct refrigerant.
As a way of avoiding leakages, HM can also create indirect cooling systems whereby the refrigerant is confined to the machine room and the quantities used are thereby substantially reduced.

The energy consumption of refrigeration systems describes the main costs over the total lifecycle of the system. Ultimately the energy costs are significantly greater than the initial investment. For this reason, measures that can be taken to increase energy efficiency are a primary criterion in clients' decisions.

With a multi-stage modular system for optimal energy saving, HM can find the right answers for every application.

As the inventor of the combined heating and cooling technology, Hafner-Muschler is your first contact for complete systems for buildings. We help you use energy in ways that are climate-neutral and save costs. HM technology allows operators to run commercial buildings on a CO2-neutral basis.