Production ovens are mostly heated with gas or oil nowadays. What makes an oven as energy-efficient as possible?
HEUFT consistently emphasizes that we rely 100% on thermal oil as the heat transfer medium in our oven systems. This provides maximum flexibility in choosing the energy source and keeps all options open for a simple switch in heating methods even later on. Thermal oil is the most efficient heating system on the market and ensures perfectly reproducible baking quality.
The thermal oil is heated in our heat exchanger. Here, there is the option to select a hybrid thermal oil heater, which combines an electric and a fossil-fueled heater. The electric heater can be powered by electricity from renewable sources, while the fossil-fueled heater is always capable of supplying the total required heat output independently.
When it comes to energy savings, heat recovery also plays an important role. HEUFT offers both flue gas and steam heat exchangers. Instead of the heat escaping through the chimney, these heat exchangers recover significant energy from the hot waste heat for use in operational processes. For a HEUFT heat exchanger designed for 50 m² baking area, with a daily baking time of 5 hours and an exchanger utilization rate of 50%, around 90 kWh of energy can be “recycled.”
Approximately 30% of the total energy required in the baking process is used for steam generation. The most economical solution to this is the installation of a steam condenser, which can recover about half of this energy—roughly 15% of the total energy used.
With the help of our Baking Information Center, measurement data and key figures can be visually displayed and monitored. Energy consumption can be identified, documented, and optimized.
Sometimes, everyday work routines among employees develop that negatively impact energy efficiency. How can small changes lead to significant energy savings?
Our control system supports this process by precisely coordinating the exchanger and oven systems according to demand. This ensures optimal heat management of our baking ovens at all times, with performance matching the actual requirements.
Additionally, operating data for all oven components are accessible—from maintenance schedules to the operating hours of the thermal oil system. Our customer service is also integrated with the control system, enabling them to respond proactively and promptly.
To retain heat within the system for as long as possible, proper insulation is essential. How effective is the insulation of HEUFT oven systems?
HEUFT relies on the highest quality and efficiency for all materials used as well as for the manufacturing process. This, of course, also applies to our insulation.
To meet the goal of decarbonization by 2045, many are considering electric production ovens. Is this a sensible approach, and how can bakers be supported in implementing such solutions?
Point 1 already mentioned our patented hybrid thermal oil heater. We offer this option to our customers to ensure they are well prepared for future decarbonization. Eventually, electricity prices need to become more affordable while gas prices continue to rise. As long as gas remains significantly cheaper than electricity in Europe, bakers can use the fossil-fueled burner and switch flexibly later on.
Thermal oil is the most flexible solution to achieve decarbonization in baking. One reason for this is that the thermal oil heats up to a maximum of 295 °C – a relatively low temperature that can be easily reached with electric heating.
If a baker wants to operate their production ovens electrically, it presents significant challenges. How does HEUFT provide support?
Our heat transfer medium, thermal oil, is indifferent to whether it is heated by fossil fuels or electricity. For HEUFT customers, this simply requires replacing the burner.
How does HEUFT reduce its carbon footprint?
We continuously research and develop in this field. To support these efforts, we have established a dedicated HEUFT ENERGY division. Just to name a few highlights: our Baking Information Center, heat recovery systems, the new heat exchanger series, hybrid thermal oil heaters, and, of course, thermal oil as the heat transfer medium.
