Case Study – IKB Dampfbad Salurner Straße | Innsbruck, Austria
Reducing Peak Electrical Load with Shower Waste Water Heat Recovery
Project Overview
Project type: Public bathing facility
Location: Innsbruck, Austria
Completion: 2022
Installed system: Vertical Shower Waste Water Heat Recovery (WWHR)
Technology partner: Robin Heat
Efficient Domestic Hot Water with Lower Peak Electricity Demand
The IKB Dampfbad Salurner Straße project demonstrates how shower waste water heat recovery can significantly reduce both domestic hot water energy demand and electrical peak loads.
By combining a decentralised Recoup Shower WWHR system with an instantaneous electric water heater, the installation improves overall system efficiency while eliminating standby heat losses.
| Result | Performance |
|---|---|
| Final energy consumption | 33–39% reduction |
| Electrical peak load | 7–10 kW reduction |
| Thermal standby losses | 0 |
System Design
The project combines decentralised shower waste water heat recovery with an electric instantaneous (tankless) water heater.
Heat recovered from shower wastewater is used to preheat incoming cold water before it reaches the hot water system.
Hydraulic Configuration – Scheme A
Recovered heat is supplied to:
- the cold-water supply to the thermostatic mixing valve
- the hot-water side in combination with the instantaneous water heater
This configuration reduces the required electrical input while maintaining shower comfort.
Performance Monitoring
Following installation, the system was monitored in cooperation with the Passive House Institute, the University of Innsbruck and IKB.
The monitoring programme evaluated:
- Final energy consumption
- Electrical peak load
- Long-term operational performance
- System efficiency
The results confirmed substantial reductions in both energy demand and electrical peak load.
Project Benefits
The installation delivers several important advantages:
- Lower operating costs
- Passive operation with no moving parts
- Improved efficiency of electric hot water systems
| Project | Dampfbad Salurner Straße |
| Project Owner | Innsbrucker Kommunalbetriebe AG (IKB) |
| Installation | Allround Installationen Heinz Kapferer GmbH |
| Application | Public bathing facility |
| Installed System | Vertical Shower Waste Water Heat Recovery |
| Technology Partner | Robin Heat |
| Completion | 2022 |
| Location | Innsbruck, Austria |
