Innovation for the environment: climate-friendly funding for Warmduscher GmbH

Around eight years ago, Managing Director Oliver Baum began to pursue the idea of how hot water can be used to save energy when showering. Since then, Warmduscher GmbH has been developing systems for shower heat recovery in showers and now also shower/bathtubs. The Hanover-based manufacturer has 5 employees and is regarded throughout Germany as a pioneer of heat recovery in showers. In heat recovery, the cold water is fed into the heat exchanger via an intermediate adapter. The warm shower waste water heats the cold fresh water from outside by 10-14°. This means that less energy is required from the heating system to heat the shower water, saving energy and money. Around 80% of the product is produced and manufactured in-house in Hanover. The heat exchangers are manufactured using the company's own laser welding system. The focus is on sustainability and short transportation routes, which is why all components are sourced exclusively from Germany.

Warmduscher GmbH has recently become a member of the European Heat Recovery Association. Of the 24 members, the company is one of only two companies in Europe that offer retrofitting for shower trays. Most suppliers of heat recovery systems only offer solutions for direct integration during the construction phase, but this is not feasible in many households. The plateau of the shower system is made of bamboo, a water-resistant and renewable raw material, and therefore the most sustainable option. The aim of Warmduscher GmbH is to offer a product for the masses through easy installation, even in existing bathrooms or showers, which is both climate-friendly and innovative.

© Warmduscher GmbH

Warmduscher GmbH has already developed a "Warmduscher" prototype for hot water recovery for classic showers as an invisible element, as it is integrated into the shower tray, with an initial "Hannover Region Green Economy" grant (HRGE grant). As there are a large number of shower trays in private households, the company also wanted to develop a solution for this. The particular challenge with the heat exchanger is to allow the necessary flexibility to adapt to the curves in the bathtub floor and at the same time withstand the internal pressure of up to 12 bar. In addition, particularly robust protective corners had to be designed to prevent scratches and damage to the bathtub. This prevents the stainless steel heat exchanger from coming into direct contact with the surface of the bathtub.

Following advice from Fabian Killer of the Hannover Region Economic Development Agency, Warmduscher GmbH has received funding of €10,000 through a further HRGE grant. The funding from the Hannover Region made it possible to develop the prototype for shower-bathtubs so that the company can now also offer sustainable water heating for shower water in bathtubs.

© Warmduscher GmbH

Warmduscher GmbH is particularly characterized by its innovative approach and regional production. The raw materials for the individual components are regularly developed further. The company is always on the lookout for new sustainable solutions and raw materials, so that, for example, plastics in materials have recently been partially replaced by walnuts. The manufactory is already holding initial talks with DIY stores and is aiming to market its products on the European market next.

Warmduscher GmbH is particularly keen to pass on information about energy consumption and how to save energy when showering. Very few people are aware that showering accounts for one of the largest shares of a household's energy consumption. In order to raise climate-friendly awareness and take appropriate measures, politicians in particular should continue to promote the issue. A lot of energy can be saved by recovering heat when showering.