Solutions for Sanitary & HVAC Production

Sanitary, heating and air-conditioning innovations at ISH 2025

Components for heat generation

Modern heat generators are becoming increasingly sustainable and efficient thanks to the complex interaction of high-quality components and materials with intelligent software solutions.

• Heating elements in heat generators are particularly important for dealing with peak loads in hybrid heating systems and heat pumps.
• Compressors are a determining factor for the energy consumption of a heat pump. Variable-speed compressors adjust their output dynamically to the specific energy demand.
• Efficient heat exchangers made of highly thermally conductive materials maximise the transfer of heat between the various heat-transfer media, and thus increase the efficiency of heat generators.
• Insulation materials in the housings and pipework of heat-generating systems prevent heat losses and keep noise to a minimum.
• Integrated controls use IoT sensors to monitor and regulate the operation of heat generators in real time.
• Refrigerants for heat pumps and air conditioners must meet strict environmental standards.
• Waste-heat recovery systems channel unused heat back into the heating circuit.

Through the right components and materials, manufacturers can not only improve the carbon footprint of their heat generators but also make them more economical.

Components for sanitary products

Modern sanitary products, from showers and baths to toilets, washbasins and bidets, must strike a balance between design, low water consumption, environmentally friendly materials and the highest standards of hygiene. Accordingly, every individual component is important:

• Components for water-flow regulation and water-saving systems are decisive for reducing drinking-water consumption. They include flow restrictors, water-saving taps, reliable seals and valves, and demand-oriented flushing systems.
• IoT sensors, e.g., infrared or motion sensors, make the use of sanitary products more convenient and optimise water consumption.
• The right handles, levers, buttons and intelligent displays add comfort and safety to the bathroom.
• Water recycling systems, e.g., greywater systems, make the water cycle more sustainable.
• In addition to reliable water connections and seals, the right installation accessories are essential for a trouble-free supply of water.

Design, hygiene and durability are key criteria when selecting materials for sanitary components.

Components for air-conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation units

Air-conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation units are key elements of sustainable building-services technology. The following trends can be seen in the individual processes:

• Air flow: fans with speed control, innovative blade geometries and flow-optimised housings minimise not only energy consumption but also turbulence and noise.
• Air distribution: sensor-controlled ventilation grilles channel the air to avoid drafts. Modern diffusers ensure an optimal mix of incoming and indoor air for the best indoor-air quality.
• Air filtration: combined air-filtration systems incorporate HEPA filters with electrostatic and UV-C technologies. Multi-stage filtration concepts are highly effective at removing particles, micro-organisms and gaseous pollutants while self-cleaning filters and IoT-based status monitoring ensure reliability.
• Air-conditioning: modern air-conditioning systems combine heating, cooling, humidification and dehumidification in a single unit. Inverter-controlled compressors permit precise output adjustment while multistage heat exchangers and adiabatic cooling systems boost energy efficiency.
• Heat recovery: rotary and plate heat exchangers deliver high recovery rates. Innovative systems not only store heat energy but also integrate heat pumps for active heat recovery.
• Refrigerant circuit: natural refrigerants are growing in significance as part of the drive to reduce the Global Warming Potential (GWP). Highly efficient compressors with variable speed control optimise energy consumption. Another trend is towards hybrid systems, which combine multiple cooling technologies.
• Sensor and control technology: IoT-enabled sensors monitor all relevant parameters, such as temperature, humidity, CO2 levels and particulate matter. AI-aided control algorithms regulate system operation in real time according to the ambient conditions.

A key trend is the integration of HVAC components into building-management systems using open communication protocols, such as BACnet and ModBus. Advanced HVAC systems also communicate with smart-home and home energy management systems (HEMS) to maximise energy efficiency and provide greater convenience and comfort for residents.

Building-automation components

In the ideal smart building, all components are linked intelligently to the building automation system, which requires a number of factors and components to harmonise:

• Sensors capture parameters, such as temperature, humidity or light intensity, that are crucial for building control. IoT sensors optimise data collection for greater energy efficiency, comfort, convenience and safety.
• Bus systems ensure reliable data transmission between components while KNX and other standards provide flexible, expandable communication platforms.
• Control and regulation units are responsible for processing sensor data and controlling actuators. Modern units use AI to optimise energy consumption in line with demand.
• Wireless systems complying with wireless standards such as Zigbee or Z-Wave ensure straightforward installation and reliable wireless communication between components.
• Actuators convert control commands into physical processes, e.g., to close or open valves.

Integrating smart components into a building-automation system ensures the smooth and sustainable operation of the building.

Raw materials for sanitary and HVAC products

The main materials used to make sanitary and HVAC products are copper, steel, stainless steel, plastics, such as PVC and PE, and composites. Copper and steel are widely used for pipework and heating systems for their durability and corrosion resistance, while plastics are being used more and more on the plumbing side for their flexibility and low cost. The sanitary and HVAC sector is moving towards more sustainable materials, including recyclable plastics, bioplastics and innovative composites.

OEM in the sanitary and HVAC sector

Strategic sourcing and regional supplier networks enable manufacturers to reduce their dependence on global supply chains and become more resilient. OEMs are a cornerstone of the sanitary and HVAC value chain:

• OEMs in the sanitary and HVAC sector supply a variety of components – in many cases customised – such as valves, thermostats, pumps, heat exchangers and other parts, which manufacturers then integrate into their sanitary and HVAC products.
• As modular and system suppliers, OEMs offer everything from prefabricated modules, such as boilers or air-conditioning systems, to complete systems for integration into smart buildings.

In addition to traditional private-label manufacturers, some OEMs make and market sanitary and HVAC products for the end consumer under their own brand.

Services in the sanitary and HVAC sector

Service providers offer support throughout the entire lifecycle of sanitary and HVAC products, from R&D engineering services, material selection and prototyping to contract manufacturing, quality control, logistics and supply-chain management services.