Krones equips Kaiser Bräu with VapoChill technology to cut brewing emissions

12 Dec 2023 --- Krones is partnering with the Kaiser Bräu to install the machinery company’s VapoChill technology at the brewery to combine traditional brewing methods with modern technology.

Kaiser Bräu replaced its evaporative cooling system with the Krones’ technology VapoChill. The upgrade enhances efficiency and reduces the brewery’s environmental impact. The VapoChill operates on an advanced principle where process water cools down through evaporation, achieving high energy efficiency on a minimal footprint.

Master Brewer at Kaiser Bräu, Stefan Benaburger, emphasizes that success in the contemporary beer market demands more than just producing quality Pilsner.

“Nowadays it is no longer enough to produce a good-quality and flavourful Pilsner. You have to move with the times. People’s expectations have simply changed in recent years,” asserts Benaburger.

VapoChill cooling tech
Sustainability is crucial for Kaiser Bräu as the brewery focuses on resource conservation and energy efficiency. This is reflected in its choice of the VapoChill cooling tower, including its efficient fan design.

The VapoChill could be produced in eight weeks and delivered to the Neuhaus an der Pegnitz site. The fan’s Electronically Commutated motors are known for their high efficiency, according to Krones, consuming up to 30% less energy in full-load operation and enabling maintenance-free operations. Its variable speed allows for precise temperature control, further contributing to energy savings.

Benaburger says in recent years, the company worked with a galvanized evaporative cooling system with a radial design that was used for recooling the refrigeration system. Due to its age and design, the energy required for operation was no longer up to date. 

Additionally, the failure of a radial stage and the possibility of receiving a subsidy from Germany’s Federal Office of Economics and Export Control led to the replacement of the existing refrigeration and air conditioning systems with resource- and energy-saving versions.

Thermal processes 
Krones’ expertise in thermal processes has been incorporated into the development of the VapoChill. The result is a space-saving operating principle where the process water loses its heat in contact with the ambient air. Part of the water evaporates, whereby energy is extracted from the remaining water and is cooled down. Krones highlights that the concept of the open evaporative cooling tower leads to a high energy output and a small environmental footprint.

“In order to be able to offer good beer with a clear conscience, we attach great importance to resource conservation and energy efficiency in our production. The particularly efficient fan was therefore another major plus point for us when selecting the cooling tower,” explains Stefan Benaburger.

Due to the integrated modular design in series production at the Flensburg plant, the VapoChill could be produced within eight weeks and delivered quickly to the Neuhaus an der Pegnitz site thanks to a customized delivery concept, says Krones. 

Edited by Sichong Wang