Climate neutrality, increased CO₂ prices, and uncertainties with the natural gas supply are prompting car manufacturers to intensify their search for alternatives to gas-powered production plants. In response, Dürr became the first supplier to electrify all the body ovens in its portfolio. The first reference project with green electricity – in use since 2018 in a paint shop in Scandinavia – proves that there is no change in the drying process quality, which remains at the highest level.

The biggest energy consumer in the painting process is body drying. Its share of the CO₂ footprint is accordingly high. By switching from natural gas to regenerative energy like green electricity, it is possible to reduce a conventional paint shop's CO₂ emissions by about 40%, which is an enormous step towards climate-neutral production and greater supply security. 

All Dürr ovens – from the traditional oven to the EcoSmartCure compact, to the innovative EcoInCure with body drying from the inside – can operate with the energy sources of the future. In addition to favored green electricity, conversion to hydrogen and biogas is also possible. Dürr not only offers the electrification of new ovens but also in brownfield retrofits. The machinery and plant engineering company offers individual assessments for existing plants to develop an optimal conversion concept so manufacturers can achieve short conversion times, and outstanding cost efficiency. 

Reducing Costs through Energy Efficiency

Further increases in fossil fuel prices are expected in the medium term, while the costs for regenerative plants are falling as the number of installed plants grows. "We have developed a complete concept with several energy-efficiency modules so that car manufacturers can already leverage environmentally friendly green electricity for cost-effective production," explains Heiko Dieter, Product Manager at Dürr Systems AG. "With a state-of-the-art insulation concept, skidless conveyor technology, and our EcoSmart VEC oven control system, we are coming at this from many directions.” 

Lowest Exhaust Air Temperatures

The Oxi.X.RV air pollution control system works electrically according to the principle of regenerative thermal oxidation (RTO). Electric heating uses the RTO method, which decouples heating and air pollution control. Decentralized, compact individual units provide heat. The units have the additional benefit of streamlining the layout since large duct systems for supplying heat are no longer required. Highly efficient heat recovery means that manufacturers can use the energy in the exhaust airflow almost completely for heating fresh air. This reduces energy losses via the exhaust air to an unprecedentedly low level. 

Needs-Based Control of the Electrical Supply

Another energy-efficient tool is the predictive EcoSmart VEC fresh and exhaust air control system. The intelligent software regulates the oven's electricity consumption by tailoring the energy demand to the exact number of bodies in the oven and reducing consumption during operation at partial load. Switching to skidless conveyor technology also saves energy since the oven heats less material that needs to cool down later.

No Change to the Painting Process with Electric Body Drying

Dürr notes a sharp increase in the demand for electric ovens. “Currently, we have several projects in the pipeline.,”says Dieter.