New tool simplifies the reuse of radiators
The Basel Component Exchange and Zirkular GmbH are working with the Institute for Building Technology and Energy at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) to develop a guide for cataloguing radiators. This should extend their service life and simplify their reuse.
Together with Zirkular GmbH, also based in Basel, and the Institute for Building Technology and Energy at the HSLU in Horw, the cooperatively organised Basler Bauteilbörse aims to facilitate the reuse of radiators. However, this requires an early assessment of their heating performance – which is often difficult due to differences in size, design and materials.
This is where the user-friendly tool called RadiatorCheck, which the three initiators are working on with the help of Innosuisse ‘s Innovation Booster – Circular Building Industry, should help. It is designed to enable even non-professionals to catalogue radiators and estimate their heating output precisely and easily on site.
This includes identifying common radiator types, creating and validating a thermal model, developing a user-friendly interface and testing the tool for accuracy and ease of use. The end goal is a working prototype that will assist professionals in the efficient assessment and reuse of radiators.
According to a project description from Innosuisse, the Excel-based tool is based on practical data and experience from Zirkular GmbH and Bauteilbörse. It is supported by thermal modelling from Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. “By simplifying the documentation, evaluation and cataloguing of existing radiators, their life cycle can be extended, thereby reducing the extraction of raw materials, emissions from new production and construction waste,” it continues. “This enables more resource-efficient practices and supports a low-emission, circular built environment.”