By acquiring an interest of almost 20%, KSB is expanding its energy business and securing access to the rapidly growing market for large heat pumps for thermal outputs of between 500 kilowatts and 10 megawatts.
Founded in Vienna in 2011, Ecop has developed a single-stage rotation heat pump that can achieve a very high temperature lift. Using a gaseous mixture as the working fluid and rotation technology, the heat pump can be used efficiently in a very wide and flexible temperature range. This enables existing heat sources to be utilised particularly effectively. The process can be used in industries that require heat, such as the paper and textile industries, food manufacturers and local and district heating operators, and can replace heat generation based on fossil fuels. With heat generation up to 200°C, Ecop covers the important market for large heat pumps in the output range up to 1MW. The company currently employs around 20 people.
For KSB, this partnership is a strategic step towards the decarbonised generation and storage of thermal energy.
“We are seeing an increasing demand for energy worldwide, with the energy mix shifting significantly in favour of processes that avoid carbon emissions,” explained Dr Stephan Timmermann, CEO of KSB. “Heat accounts for around two thirds of the energy needed by industry. The decarbonisation of thermal energy offers huge potential. Ecop and KSB are not only linked by cutting-edge technology, but also by their shared goal of sustainability.”
The two companies benefit from numerous technology-related synergies, from pump components through to research and development.
Fabian Sacharowitz, CEO of Ecop, said: “With KSB on board, we have gained the partner we need to expand our technology worldwide and become a leader in the higher output ranges of large heat pumps as well.”
