The predator house at Nuremberg Zoo banks on the Vitovalor 300-P

The Vitovalor 300-P fuel cell heater from Viessmann is in action in Nuremberg in a very special location: in the zoo’s predator house, the world’s first ensures that the six tigers and two lions stay comfortably warm in all seasons. The constant need for warmth is the ideal prerequisite for operating this system in terms of economic efficiency, fuel consumption, and electricity yield.

The picture shows visitors in front of the entrance to Nuremberg Zoo.

The predator house not only uses the 6 500 kilowatt hours of heat generated per year, but it also converts the estimated annual yield of more than 5 000 kilowatt hours of electricity into light and ventilation directly on site. In front of the entrance to the predator house, visitors to the zoo can see on an electronic board how much electricity is generated and how many carbon emissions are avoided.

Tiger Katinka causes delay

The modernization was due to take place in summer 2015, but the project had to be postponed because of the pregnant Siberian tiger Katinka and her offspring. The two little tigers that Katinka gave birth to are now almost grown up themselves, so the boiler could be replaced without any problems.

Funding by energy supplier

The system was planned by Viessmann and Nuremberg energy supplier N-Ergie, and the installation was carried out by Zecha Sanitär- und Heizungstechnik GmbH in Nuremberg. The project was funded by Nuremberg energy supplier N-Ergie. Customers of the N-Ergie green electricity scheme “Strom Purnatur” (pure natural electricity) invest one cent per kilowatt hour in regional projects promoting renewable energies. Of the total funding sum, 36 000 euros were provided for the fuel cell and its installation at the zoo.

High electrical efficiency

With the Vitovalor 300-P, Viessmann was the first heating technology manufacturer to launch a series-produced fuel cell heater on the European market. With its high electrical efficiency of 37 percent, it is not only well suited to predator accommodation but also to use in new single-family homes and duplexes as well as in renovated existing buildings with low heat requirements.

German-Japanese joint development

The Vitovalor 300-P is a joint development with Panasonic. The fuel cell module operated by natural gas has an electrical output of up to 750 watts and has already been installed more than 80 000 times in Japan, where it has proven a success. In the course of a day, the Vitovalor 300-P generates enough electricity to cover most of an average household’s demand.