AeroRef – Reduction of energy demand in heating furnaces by new combination of aerogel and refractory

Initial situation

  • Despite continuous improvements in thermal insulation in industrial furnaces, heat losses through the furnace walls are unavoidable.
  • Reduction of heat losses directly results in economic and, in most cases, also ecological advantages (reduction of CO2 emissions).

Project goals

  • First-time combination of aerogel and refractory materials with efficiency improvements in primary energy use in industrial furnaces.
  • Reduction of fossil energy demand and CO2 emissions.

Innovative approaches

  • Creation of a novel composite material of aerogel and refractory with reduction in thermal conductivity of heat-insulating furnace components.

Potential benefits to industry

  • Reduction of heat losses from industrial furnaces, resulting in improved process efficiency and reduced energy use.
  • Depending on the installation and utilization situation, minimization of heat storage losses can also be implemented.

Funding source: German Federal Ministry of Education and Climate Protection (The joint project is a research project under the 7th Energy Research Program).

Duration: 01.10.2019 – 30.03.2023

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