ZEB (Zero Energy Building) by utilizing ceramics combustion waste heat

NGK INSULATORS, LTD.

Outline

As an effort under “preservation of world environment” and “securement of enjoyable work environment” that are stated in the NGK Code of Conduct, Mizuho New E1 Building (office work/welfare building located in Mizuho district of Nagoya Site). As for low-temperature waste heat (250°C or less) that is discharged from the combustion furnace in the adjacent plant and that used to be left unused, Mizuho New E1 Building effectively utilizes for radiant heating/cooling-air conditioning and for hot water supply. In addition to it, the building has introduced natural ventilation & natural lighting by means of an open ceiling space using glass (Eco Void), stabilization of temperature of introduced outside-air by using earth thermal (cool heat trench), etc. In this way, the building has been designed as a “ZEB (Zero Energy Building)-Ready” that aim to achieve 54% reduction against the standard CO₂ emission level under the Act on the Rational Use of Energy. Further, Building Energy Management System (BEMS) equipped with Energy Saving Evaluation Simulator (BEST) and the structure to realize comfortable work environment by using WEB questionnaire survey have been introduced, aiming to enhance both CO₂ saving measures and employees’ health.

The Company will continue to promote ZEB through operation & evaluation of this building that has been designed as a ZEB-Ready building.

Description

Mizuho New E1 Building, as a symbol of re-layout of all the headquarters sites of NGK Insulators, is the office equipped with functions as the control tower for R&D/design divisions and domestic & overseas bases, which sustains two pillars of efforts including “preservation of world environment” and “securement of enjoyable work environment” under the NGK Code of Conduct.

“Preservation of world environment”: CO₂ saving through effective use of low-temperature waste heat of the plant that has been discarded
“Securement of enjoyable work environment”: Facilitation of innovation through promotion of comfort, health and productivity

Through these efforts, we aim to realize CO₂ reduction of 576 tons CO₂/year, to achieve primary energy consumption of 814 MJ/m² (54% reduction against the standard level of the Act on the Rational Use of Energy), and to acquire CASBEE (Nagoya) evaluation _S rank.

Main concept of Mizuho New E1 Building

＜EXHAUST HEAT USE＞ Use of low-temperature waste heat and cascade of industrial water heat of the plant is the key point of energy saving of New E1 Building. Combustion exhaust gas discharged from the kiln that burns products is divided into high-temperature waste heat: 600 to 1,000°C, mid-temperature waste heat: 250 to 600°C, and low-temperature waste heat: 250°C or less. While high-temperature waste heat has been utilized for heating burner combustion air and mid-temperature waste heat has been used for steam, low-temperature waste heat has not been successfully utilized. By utilizing low-temperature waste heat for air conditioning and hot water supply, we aim to realize substantial energy saving.

＜BREEZE＞ The air supply system using the cool heat trench creates more natural environment in office spaces.

＜THERMAL COMFORT＞ Ceiling radiation panel air-conditioning together with raised-floor air-conditioning secures nice and cozy low-temperature heat environment.

＜NATURAL LIGHTING＞ Natural lighting using Eco Void, circadian lighting for Refresh Corner, etc. helps secure pleasant lighting environment.

＜VISUALIZATION＞ By, for example, introducing in real time the current energy saving situation on the “visualization display” that is installed in the entrance, we proactively work on developing the Company’s acceptance system of outside visitors and also disseminating/spreading our efforts.

＜Overview of Mizuho New E1 Building＞

Number of floors： 6 floors above ground

Height of building： 31 meters

Building area： 2,568.97 m²

Gross floor area： 12,180.04 m²

Application： Office, cafeteria, clinic, and others