Is it possible to heat a city with just one building? Not entirely. But the Heizwerk Chemnitz-Süd plays a vital role in keeping Chemnitz warm. Also known as Heizwerk Altchemnitz this plant ensures many homes and businesses stay cozy.
Heizwerk Chemnitz-Süd is a peak heating plant. It steps in when demand is high. This usually happens on very cold winter days. Or when there’s a longer cold spell.
Let’s dive into some facts about the Heizwerk Chemnitz-Süd. It uses natural gas to heat water. This water reaches a scorching 125 degrees Celsius. The heated water is then pumped into Chemnitz’s district heating network. It enters with a pressure of about 1.2 Megapascals. After its work is done, the resulting flue gases are released. They exit through a 225-meter-high chimney.
The Heizwerk Chemnitz-Süd didn’t always use natural gas. Originally, it ran on heating oil. In 1981 it switched to a dual-fuel system. This allowed it to use either heating oil or natural gas. Back then, it had a total capacity of 348 Megawatts. Modernization led to some changes. The plant stopped using oil and one hot water generator was removed. As a result, the total capacity decreased to 232 Megawatts.
Unlike some power plants the Heizwerk Chemnitz-Süd does not generate electricity. Its sole purpose is to supply heat. The plant feeds the Chemnitz district heating network from the south. Eins Energie in Sachsen operates the facility.
Inside the Heizwerk Chemnitz-Süd skilled workers keep everything running smoothly. A control room operator manages all the controls and switches. A “runner” performs manual tasks throughout the plant.
To ensure a reliable energy supply Eins Energie in Sachsen has invested in the Heizwerk Chemnitz-Süd. In July 2019, three new heating boilers were put into operation. These boilers support the heat supply. Each boiler is nine meters long and five meters in diameter. They are powered by natural gas. Together, they have a capacity of 100 Megawatts. These new boilers can supply about a quarter of Chemnitz’s district heating needs.
The Heizwerk Chemnitz-Süd has one hot water generator that runs on natural gas. It has a maximum heat output of 85 Megawatts. This is achieved with a flow temperature of 125 degrees Celsius. The generator has 12 burners. They are arranged in two rows of six each.
The story of Heizwerk Chemnitz-Süd is one of continuous adaptation. From its original oil-fired system to its current natural gas operation the plant has evolved. It ensures that Chemnitz stays warm even on the coldest days. It stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to a secure and modern energy supply.