Bauteilbörse, Zirkular and HSLU catalog radiators

(CONNECT) The cooperative Bauteilbörse (Basel Building Components Exchange) is working to facilitate the reuse of radiators in collaboration with the circular construction specialist Zirkular GmbH, also based in Basel, and the Institute of Building Technology and Energy at the HSLU in Horw in the Swiss canton of Lucerne. However, reuse requires an early assessment of a radiator’s heating performance, which is often challenging due to differences in size, design, and materials.

This is where RadiatorCheck comes in. This user-friendly tool developed by the three initiators with support from Innosuisse's Innovation Booster – Circular Building Industry is designed so that even non-professionals can accurately and easily catalog radiators and estimate their heating output.

This includes identifying common types of radiators, creating and validating a thermal model, developing a user-friendly interface, and testing the tool for accuracy and usability. The ultimate goal is a functional prototype that helps professionals efficiently evaluate and reuse radiators.

According to the project description, the Excel-based tool is based on practical data and experiences from Zirkular GmbH and Bauteilbörse. It is supported by thermal modeling from Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. “By simplifying the documentation, evaluation, and cataloging of existing radiators, their life cycle can be extended, reducing raw material extraction, emissions from new production, and construction waste,” says the description. “This enables more resource-efficient practices and supports a low-emission, circular built environment.” ce/mm