Stadtwerke Münster kindly hosted vgbe
Stadtwerke Münster and vgbe energy welcomed around 25 experts from the municipal heat and power generation sector to the second vgbe Info Day in Münster. This information day focussed on the transformation of electricity and heat generation towards renewable energies and the exchange of information on power plant engineering. A broad-based team of vgbe experts informed the participants in Münster about these topics and provided general information about the vgbe work and activities as well as networking of the vgbe community in order to provide a comprehensive insight into the topics covered by the association.
Following the welcome address, Markus Bieder, Head of Renewable Heat and Power Generation at Stadtwerke Münster, presented the heat transition at Stadtwerke Münster. In this context, new technology applications play a key role, such as 3D seismics for optimising the siting of geothermal plants.
Following the presentations on vgbe’s activities, e.g. in the field of renewable energies, the Working Group “Large Heat Pumps”, experiences of vgbe technical services on stress corrosion cracking and the inspection of steam turbines, the morning was rounded off with a practical demonstration from the vgbe oil laboratory.
Heiko Fingerholz, head of the vgbe oil laboratory, first explained how lubricating oils are formulated, which base oils and additives are available and how these are combined to obtain the optimum oil. The various additives and their function in lubricating oils were presented. After a demonstration on defoaming, possible problems were addressed using sample bottles:
poor water separation capacity in a new and a used oil, mixing of immiscible hydraulic oils and a gear oil sample with metallic abrasion. Possible consequences were discussed and solutions proposed by the vgbe oil laboratory.
The contribution by Dr Thomas Eck, Head of the vgbe Technical Competence Centre Thermal Power, on the topic of “Digital security in critical infrastructures – KRITIS in energy plants” was received with particular interest. Fundamental questions were asked about digital security: Why information security? Which regulations must be observed and by whom? In addition, the regulations to be observed and the necessary measures for implementation were presented. The KRITS Umbrella Act and the NIS2 Implementation Act should be mentioned in this context. The vgbe activities in the area of digital security, which are primarily represented in the TC “Control Technology” and the associated subcommittees on IT and OT security, were also presented.
The presentations were discussed intensively and interesting contacts were made.
At the end of the day, Stadtwerke took the participants on an exciting journey through the history of the heat transition at Stadtwerke’s facilities at the harbour.
vgbe would like to thank its host, Stadtwerke Münster, which provided an ideal and hospitable setting for this information day and thus contributed significantly to its success.
The next Info Day is expected to take place in one of the eastern German states in the first quarter of 2025. The date will be announced in good time on the vgbe event platform and in the vgbe energy journal.
