In the heart of Stuttgart, at the renowned Wilhelma Zoo, not only do visitors experience unique moments, but the animal inhabitants also enjoy the most advanced technologies. The residents in the monkey house in particular enjoy a special amenity: a hygienic shower that is available at all times, equipped with the latest hot water technology using systems from the company varmeco GmbH & Co KG.

Two hot water systems with heat exchangers for „monkey water“ and „human water“

As part of the renovation of the monkey enclosure in 2012, a modern hot water concept was to be implemented, with two water treatment systems and integration into a higher-level measurement, control and regulation system (MCR).

• The first facility designed for „monkey water“ was to be specially tailored to the needs of primates.
• The second plant, the „human water“, was intended for human consumption.

Both should ensure drinking water quality and be treated in accordance with legal hygiene and safety standards.

The main challenge here was to develop a reliable system that would supply clean and safe water on a permanent basis. In addition, a low temperature rise had to be taken into account when designing the systems, particularly due to the use of local heating in summer. This placed particular demands on the thermal management of the systems in order to avoid overheating and ensure energy efficiency.

varmeco GmbH & Co. KG, based in Kaufbeuren in the Allgäu region, is a manufacturer of innovative systems and product solutions for intelligent heat utilization and a pioneer of Fresh water technology. With Wolfram Schwer as an expert in fresh water technology, it was possible to implement a solution in the monkey house that was precisely tailored to the requirements. A look behind the technology reveals how: find out everything about the Hot water technology with heat exchanger.

Heat exchanger in a cascade of 3 for the monkey house

The new plant, which went into operation in 2012 Facility for the newly built monkey enclosure in the Wilhelma Zoo in Stuttgart consists of a Cascade of 3 fresh water appliances for the monkey enclosure and a fresh water heater especially for the human area. It offers an impressive flow rate of 150 liters per minute at a constant 60 °C and a storage capacity of 5,000 liters. The advantage for the monkeys is obvious: hygienic hot water heated to the exact degree. 

As with an installation in residential buildings, a circulation system was implemented so that the hot water is available quickly, to the exact degree and at a pleasant temperature. Since then, the monkeys have been able to enjoy the comfort of showering whenever they want. They quickly learned how to operate the monkey shower at the touch of a button.