PRESS RELEASE
Active Energy Tower
Fronius banks on energy efficiency
(Wels, 25.10.2012) In autumn 2012, Fronius International GmbH opened the Active Energy Tower at its
Wels site in Upper Austria. Its active energy design, use of photovoltaics (PV) and geothermal energy
sources mean that the architectural showpiece is heated and cooled without generating any CO 2
emissions whatsoever. The Solar Electronics Division, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this
year, moved into its new, creative working environment at the end of September.
"The Active Energy Tower demonstrates that the dedication of Fronius to energy efficiency goes well beyond its
products and services", explained Martin Hackl, head of the Fronius Solar Electronics Division. The impressive
façade of the energy tower also provides shade and thermal insulation for the building, saving the energy that
would otherwise be required for cooling and heating.
The new part of the building, which blends seamlessly into the existing building complex, has been given over
to modern office accommodation. On the ground floor, a green vertical garden designed by Patrick Blanc, the
French botanist and garden architect, creates a welcoming atmosphere. "We are currently working on the
realisation of another highlight, a showroom, that will give visitors a closer look at some applications of our
products", revealed Martin Hackl.
The climate-protection façade provides shade while at the same time generating energy that can be used in the
tower. A visual highlight is provided by the glass façade elements, which contain crystalline cells. This special
development consists of 146 modules supplied by ertex solar and is rated at 38.3 kW. The photovoltaic roof
system comprises 60 Kioto modules. These are polycrystalline modules (cSi) rated at 12.6 kW. At the heart of
each system are three Fronius IG Plus 150V inverters and one Fronius IG Plus 100V, which ensure maximum
yield levels from the Active Energy Tower.
Environmental awareness as a company value
At Fronius, environmental awareness is very important. The Fronius guiding principles, "Our grandchildren will
be proud of us for the decisions we make, because we are committed to our environment and to society. The
technologies we are developing play their part in taking care of the world's resources", influence the daily
decision-making processes of Fronius staff.
Back in 2006, the company started the phased, energy-saving renovation of the former industrial district in Wels.
Today, this has become its global sales hub, and with the Active Energy Tower now boasts an additional
architectural highlight. "We take great pride in the fact that we are able to work in a very energy-efficient manner
at Fronius sites. For Fronius, environmental awareness is a well defined company value", says Martin Hackl.
Energy efficiency in Austria
In Austria, the home of Fronius International GmbH, the production and logistics facility in Sattledt is supported
by a 615 kW photovoltaic system. A biomass power plant provides 80 percent of the heat requirement;
geothermal systems are installed at three of the company's sites in Austria. Sustainable energy usage and
storage is also a high priority within the company, as evidenced by an in-house logistics solution that uses fuelcell powered vehicles.
Energy efficiency in Australia
In mid-2011 Fronius Australia chose to partially offset its energy consumption from the grid by installing 15 x
228 W Serrengeti panels on the rooftop of its office in Melbourne featuring a Fronius IG TL 3.6. In addition 32 x
95 W Q-cell panels have been installed on the façade of the building featuring a Fronius IG Plus 30V-1.
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For Data monitoring of the systems a single phase meter generation for the Fronius IG Plus as well as a three
phase power consumption meter are in use. For remote performance monitoring a Fronius Datalogger Web has
been installed.
From January to mid-October 2012 the power production of both systems accounts for 6022.8 kWh. At this
point in time about 15 per cent of the overall energy consumption of Fronius Australia stems from the PV
systems on the roof and façade of the office building.
Thanks to floor-to-ceiling glass windows the office space is supplied by natural light throughout the day. In order
to preserve energy the lighting system of the entire office has been fitted with motion sensors and the
warehouse with light level sensors.
Energy efficiency in Canada
In keeping with the corporate value of sustainability, Fronius Canada commissioned their 5 kW AC net metered
PV system this fall. The rooftop system is expected to generate 5,750 kWh annually and will reduce Fronius
Canada’s electricity bill by generating energy for the warehouse, office and production facility to use during
peak demand hours. Twenty-four 235 watt modules (5.64 kWp) were installed on low-profile ballasted racking.
Extensive rewiring was required so the inverter could be installed as a centerpiece in the lobby, allowing visitors
and trainees to see a working Fronius inverter first hand. System production and weather sensor data will be
displayed on an internet-enabled monitor using Fronius’ new public display software, Fronius Solar.TV.
Another point of pride is that the Fronius IG Plus V 5.0-1 UNI inverter was assembled and tested on-site in
Mississauga, Ont. to meet Ontario’s domestic content requirements.
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Overview of photographs:
The Active Energy Tower demonstrates that the dedication of Fronius to
energy efficiency goes well beyond its products and services.
The PV system on the roof of the Fronius Active Energy Tower is rated at
12.6 kW.
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The green vertical garden designed by Patrick Blanc, the French botanist
and garden architect, creates a welcoming atmosphere.
From January to mid-October 2012 the power production at Fronius Australia
accounts for 6022.8 kWh.
In keeping with the corporate value of sustainability, Fronius Canada
commissioned their 5 kW AC net metered PV system this fall
Photos: Fronius International GmbH, reproduction free of charge.
About Fronius International GmbH
Fronius International is an Austrian company with headquarters in Pettenbach and other sites in Wels, Thalheim,
Steinhaus and Sattledt. With 3,257 employees worldwide, the company is active in the fields of battery charging
systems, welding technology and solar electronics. Around 94% of its products are exported through 19
international Fronius subsidiaries and sales partners/representatives in over 60 countries. With its innovative
products and services and 878 active patents, Fronius is world technology leader.
Enquiries:
Andrea SCHARTNER, +43 664 88536765, [email protected], Froniusplatz 1, 4600 Wels, Austria.
Simone WINKLER, +61 (3) 8340 2945, [email protected], 90-92 Lambeck Drive, 3043 Tullamarine
Vic, Australia.
Kim WHARTON, +44 (1908) 512 340, [email protected], Maidstone Road, Kingston, Milton Keynes,
MK10 0BD, United Kingdom.
Lia VANBAALEN, +1 905 288 2128, [email protected], 2875 Argentia Rd Units 3-6, L5N 8G6
Mississauga, ON, Canada.
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