An Expert Mission is a detailed study visit to one of the good practices identified in the RESINDUSTRY project. RESINDUSTRY – Policies for Renewable Energy Sources in the industry aims to boost the use of renewable energy in the industry. In February 2022, the RESINDUSTRY Expert Mission to MALFINI, a.s. in Ostrava, the Czech Republic was organized. Together with the representative from LAB University of Applied Sciences, two Päijät-Häme stakeholders joined the study visit; Janne Ekholm, Sauter Biogas Finland and Aatu-Ville Väänänen, One1 Oy.
The Czech company MALFINI, a.s., founded in 1999, is a leading supplier of promotional textiles in Europe, operating in 35 European countries. Their production is located both in Asia and Europe. In the Czech Republic, the headquarter is situated in Ústí nad Labem, and their logistics centre and warehouse with nearly 20 000 m2 was built on a former brownfield in Ostrava.
Hybrid Photovoltaic System with batteries.
In September 2019, a unique hybrid photovoltaic (PV) system with accumulation in batteries was launched in the MALFINI logistics centre in Ostrava. The total installed capacity reaches 296 kWp, annually generating 280 MWh. (MALFINI A.S. 2022.) Altogether 947 PV panels were installed on the flat roof and one-fourth of them also on the facade walls secure year-round electricity production even in wintertime when the sun is only 20° above the horizon. The payback period for the PV system is between 7-8 years.
Unused electricity is stored in batteries for later use or as a backup. The lithium ferrophosphate (LiFePO) battery block with a nominal capacity of 360 kWh is used for energy accumulation from the PV system as well as from the cogeneration units. It also smooths out electricity peak loads (peak shaving).
Combined heat and power.
In 2018, MALFINI, a.s. acquired two TOTEM 25 condensing cogeneration units, with a thermal output of 58 kW and power output of 25 kW for each unit. The payback period for the CHP unit is 3-4 years. According to Mr Tomáš Holub, a Project Manager at MALFINI, a.s., the total unity efficiency is up to 107.4 %, making it one of the most efficient micro-cogenerators on the market with an exceptional electrical efficiency of 32.5 %.
The TOTEM micro-cogenerator produces electricity and heat at the same time, using a single fuel, such as biogas or natural gas, methane or biomethane. The combined heat and power are produced and consumed on-site, therefore, enabling high efficiency (class A+++) decentralized energy production. These micro-cogeneration units offer lower emissions in comparison with conventional condensing boilers, are modular, quiet (From 55 db(A) @1 mt) and rewarding with a short payback time (2 to 4 years). (Asja Ambiente Italia & Totem 2017; Asja Ambiente Italia 2018.)
This innovative combination of the PV system with batteries and cogeneration almost covers the electricity need of the logistics centre (92-95%), including the energy supply for forklifts and a fast-charging station for e-cars. The complex system contributed to the overall reduction of emissions and greenhouse gases.
Author: Katerina Medkova.
