Taconova Group AG - Experts & Thought Leaders

Taconova, a major provider of intelligent comfort heating solutions, has opened a new production plant with warehousing facilities in Boršov, Czech Republic. With the ever-increasing demands for sustainability and energy management in the private and commercial spheres, Taconova is continuously investing in its production facilities, automation, and digitization production processes and planning to increase capacity to meet demand. Its main European production plant, Taconova Production s.r.o., has been located in Velešín, South Bohemia, Czech Republic, since 1996, and this month, a new, second production plant with warehousing facilities has been opened in nearby Garbe Park in Boršov to boost capacity. Delivery of manufactured products In addition to the European markets, part of the exhibit from Boršov will also go to the US market “The Boršov plant will produce high-performance pumps for heating, cooling, and solar systems, as well as modularly designed Heat Interface Units that provide domestic hot water and heat distribution,” says Ralph Seewald, Managing Director of TACO Europe.  It is envisaged that there will also be a major European distribution center. By integrating production with distribution, the logistics chain will be streamlined, allowing for faster delivery of manufactured products, and helping to reduce the carbon footprint. In addition to the European markets, part of the production from Boršov will also go to the US market. introduction of sustainable solutions “Taconova chose the industrial zone on the outskirts of Boršov because of its excellent transport accessibility, as the location is close to the D3 motorway as well as the Austrian and German borders and is not too far from the second plant in Velešín,” explains Martin Marek, Managing Director of Taconova Production s.r.o. Another important factor in the decision-making process was that real estate developer GARBE envisaged the introduction of sustainable solutions and maximum energy savings, which had an impact on the overall operating costs. Green facades, heat pump heating and solar panels are important features of the new building. Partner with GARBE From signing the contract to handing over the premises took only eleven months Once the decision was taken to partner with GARBE, it was a fast process. From signing the contract to handing over the premises took only eleven months, with production starting a month later.  The new site is located in an area of 9,266 m2. With its two storeys, the building accommodates 5,170 m2 of production capacity, 4,096 m2 of warehouse space, and 1,262 m2 for offices and service areas. Gradually increased production The opening ceremony and start of production at the Taconova plant in Boršov near České Budějovice took place on 17th April 2024. In the coming years, the total production volume will be gradually increased, as planned.  “TACO Family of Companies believes that this investment in a new production plant in Boršov is the right and promising step to strengthen the market position of Taco in Europe and ensure long-term growth,” concludes Cheryl Merchant, CEO of Taco Family of Companies. Taconova stands for high-efficiency solutions With more than 60 years of experience in developing intelligent building technologies that facilitate efficient energy use and distribution, Taconova stands for high-efficiency solutions, first-class customer service and superior Swiss engineering.

A new £37 million residential development in Sheffield, United Kingdom (UK) is benefiting from sustainable and efficient heating, courtesy of Taconova’s market-renowned Heat Interface Units (HIUs). The Ironworks Situated on Scotland Street, the Ironworks has been developed by Rise Homes and brings much-needed quality rented accommodation to Sheffield. Building work began in January 2021 on the site of the former Queens Hotel, and in September 2023, Rise Homes and Taconova were joined by the Mayor of Sheffield to open the new 12-storey Ironworks building. Inside The Ironworks This development encompasses 229 furnished apartments, comprising 144 one-bedroom, 80 two-bedroom, and 5 two-bedroom duplex units. A focus on sustainability is evident, with each unit connected to the building’s communal biomass boiler-powered heating system. The Heating System The HIUs ensure efficient and consistent heating and domestic hot water provision Water heated by the basement biomass boiler circulates through the building’s risers and into the Heat Interface Unit (HIU) in each of the 229 apartments. The HIUs ensure efficient and consistent heating and domestic hot water provision, maintaining optimal temperature and flow for the residents. TacoTherm H 3000E: The Core of Heating Each flat features a TacoTherm H 3000E Heat Interface Unit. This HIU is an electronically controlled, compact, and connection-ready all-in-one unit that offers indirect heat transfer for heating and domestic hot water. The 229 HIUs had to be supplied, installed, and commissioned within a three-month window. Taconova delivered 50 HIUs per week, and the contractor installed them in the utility cupboard of each apartment. TacoTherm H 3000E offers high efficiency The TacoTherm H 3000E has been designed specifically for multi-story residential buildings and provides an operating pressure of 6 bar. It has an operating temperature of 90°C and generates hot water temperatures of up to 60°C. The TacoTherm H 3000E is highly efficient and has an overall Volume Weighted Average Return Temperature (VWART) figure of 26, making it a market leader – as independently tested by BESA (Building Engineering Services Association). More than just hardware One of the standout benefits of opting for an electronically controlled HIU is the availability of data One of the standout benefits of opting for an electronically controlled HIU is the availability of data. The initial specification for this project was for Heat Interface Units (HIUs) only. However, the TacoTherm H 3000E offers much more than just hardware. The HIU has a smart meter, which enables remote monitoring and analysis of heat consumption. The meter gathers information from across the network, from the plant room to the HIU. System efficiency can be tracked With this data, the system's efficiency can be tracked, and improvements may be made based on the information. Likewise, if there are any inefficiencies or faults, these can be identified, pinpointed, and rectified quickly. The Ironworks management chose to also install the suggested smart heating controls and offer the controls to the residents through a smartphone or tablet app. These controls mean heating can be switched on or off remotely, potentially saving energy. Rigorous Quality Assurance Acceptance Test: Good Performance Before the project was completed, Taconova conducted testing on each HIU. This service formed part of the Taconova’s commitment to ensuring the HIUs function to the correct specification. The testing analyzed the operating pressure, temperature, and hot water temperatures in each apartment and measured the overall efficiency of the heating system during a 48-hour period. The results were then measured against set parameters. After Taconova’s engineers had completed the adjustments and remedial work, the tests were conducted again. Improvements were evident and the scheme was performing according to the set design parameters and achieved overall network compliance. On-going Monitoring for Sustainable Living Taconova will continue to monitor and improve the heating system for the lifetime of the scheme As part of its commitment to customer service and sustainability, Taconova will continue to monitor and improve the heating system for the lifetime of the scheme. It is well documented that the efficiency of a newly built property drops substantially after the first 12-month operation, so it's important to monitor the efficiency of the whole heating system beyond the initial year. The ongoing monitoring provides complete oversight of the whole system, not just the HIUs. Therefore, it is possible to recommend improvements to ensure that the network remains at the optimum efficiency level. For example, adjusting the plant room temperature during the summer and winter can optimize the system and improve efficiency. As well as providing constant monitoring and improvement suggestions, Taconova will also support Ironworks with annual servicing of the HIUs, as part of the service level agreement. A Greener Future Exciting plans for the future reveal that things could get even greener if the Ironworks development can join the Sheffield City District Heating Network. This district heating network is one of the largest city heat networks in the UK and currently supplies 2,800 homes and 140 commercial buildings, saving 21,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually. The focal point of the network is the city’s incinerator which burns 120,000 tons of municipal waste each year, producing up to 60MW of thermal energy. With an expansion and improvement to the network, it is hoped that the Ironworks will be able to benefit from the waste heat generated from Sheffield's incinerator. Enhancing the building’s green credentials The indirect TacoTherm H 3000E HIU is future-ready and will seamlessly transition to the heat network Joining the network will mean the Ironworks can replace the biomass boiler and utilize waste heat from the network, further enhancing the building’s green credentials. The indirect TacoTherm H 3000E HIU is future-ready and will seamlessly transition to the heat network, and deliver efficient heating to the residents in the building. HIU’s pre-fitted heat meter Thanks to the HIU’s pre-fitted heat meter, the residents’ heat consumption will be calculated based on what they use. Switching to the heat network will mean a lower heating tariff compared to the biomass boiler, so residents’ energy bills will also be lower. Innovative heating solutions like Taconova’s indirect TacoTherm H 3000E HIUs are part of the company’s mission to offer reliable, low-maintenance, and highly efficient heating solutions that save customers time, effort, and money.

Taconova UK, a provider of intelligent building technology solutions, has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Behfar Abedinia as General Manager.  Behfar will lead the UK team as it continues to champion the adoption of sustainable heating technologies, offer comfort solutions, and support customers in their drive to reduce carbon emissions.  Behfar Abedinia With distinguished roles at large organizations such as EDF, SSE, and E.ON, Behfar has a proven track record of navigating intricate regulatory environments. By establishing collaborations with industry stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and government departments Behfar has previously secured funding for energy efficiency initiatives, particularly those backed by government schemes.  Work experience With over two decades of deep-rooted experience in energy efficiency, Behfar’s expertise is an invaluable addition" His profound understanding of heat network technologies will fortify Taconova UK's commitment to delivering sustainable, cost-effective metering and billing solutions. “We’re thrilled to welcome Behfar to the Taconova UK team,” said Ralph Seewald, Managing Director of Taconova. “With over two decades of deep-rooted experience in energy efficiency, Behfar’s expertise is an invaluable addition to Taconova UK.” Low-maintenance, and highly efficient solutions Reflecting on his new role, Behfar remarked, “Being appointed as General Manager for Taconova UK is a tremendous honor. The company, distinguished for its high-quality, resource-efficient products, caters to a diverse range of sectors from residential properties to commercial edifices and public facilities. I am keenly looking forward to offering unparalleled service to our customers, harmonizing sustainability with fiscal prudence.”  Under Behfar's leadership, Taconova UK is well-positioned to continue its mission of offering reliable, low-maintenance, and highly efficient solutions that save customers time, effort, and money.