Category Archives: Eco-friendly solutions

Bentonite

Why get bentonite?

Have you heard of him? Bentonite is a very inconspicuous product whose possibilities of use will surely surprise you. It is popular in construction, especially for its tighting capabilities or as an additive in plaster, it is also used for wastewater treatment. Bentonite contributes to the germination of the soil in your garden and is therefore an ideal helper, for example, for planting trees and flowers. It serves perfectly as bedding for pets because it perfectly binds moisture and odor. It is also worth noting that bentonite is commonly used for the purification of wines, musts or for the stabilization of beer or even in the field of welness. Here you can meet it in the form of clay healing tiles, healing baths or it is added to skin care products.

Bentonite from us

Bentonit supplied by GeoCore has been mined since 1941 and its quality is at the level of the highest quality products in its category within Europe. The ecological safety of the backing and its natural origin presuplines this material for wide use in a number of fields, always with beneficial effects on the environment.

Most valued features

Absorption ability It captures air humidity, odors, spilled oils, or waste from livestock bedding.
Reclamation capacity It is added to mineral fertilizers, where it prevents their leakage into the sub-areas, while preventing the fertilizer from crusting during storage. It can germnize sandy soils due to its ability to retain moisture and nutrients in the root layer of the soil. Bentonite also facilitates the cultivation of plants due to its ability to create a balanced moisture regime of soil substrates.
Tighting capability It is perfectly suited as a reliable sealing of any structures and water reservoirs (wells, summers, dams) against the penetration of surface water. It will also help to ensure the impermeability of the subsoil of parking, storage and assembly areas with a possible risk of leakage of pollutants into groundwater.

Bentonite category

Bentonite can be divided into 2 basic categories: unactivated and activated.

The first category consists of dried and ground natural calcium-magnesium bentonite. It is designed to prepare moulding mixtures for castings with a short time of people up to a maximum of 15 seconds. At the same time, it is suitable for reanimating filling moulding mixtures. Other possible uses: flocculation load in wastewater treatment, buffer to increase soil impermeability, moisture and nutrient retainance in soil, powder extinguishing agent, agricultural waste thickener and sludge, plasticizing additive of mortars, plaster and ceramic materials.

Activated bentonite is produced from selectively mined raw materials, homogenized, gently dried and ground. Sodium carbonate is added to the naturally moist load bentonite in the rot machines. Activated bentonite is suitable for the preparation of model and uniform moulding mixtures for all kinds of alloys, as well as for example: plasticizing additive of mortars, concretes and ceramics, anti-neck additive for fertilizers, thickener of agricultural waste, buffer to increase soil impermeability.

In conclusion, it is important to mention that bentonite can be stored indefinitely if stored in a dry environment.

Photovoltaics and heat pump? A combination that gives you up to 75% independence

Photovoltaics and heat pump? A combination that gives you up to 75% independence

Do you deal with high energy bills every year and think about a solution that could solve these problems in the long run? Perhaps a combination of photovoltaics and a heat pump may be the right solution for you. This combination can reduce your heating, cooling and water heating costs by up to 75% Combining your own electricity production and heat pump heating is one of the most efficient solutions, whether from an economic or environmental point of view.

How electricity generation works

The combination of photovoltaics and heat pumps is one of the frequently used ecological energy sources, the main advantage of which is the almost independent production of hot utility and heating or cooling water at low operating costs. Only the minimum power consumption for the compressor or pump is required for the operation of the heat pump. A photovoltaic cell that uses the so-called photoelectric phenomenon to generate electricity is a suitable choice for its delivery. These cells are made up of semiconductor plates (mostly made of quarry) and when sunlight on the semiconductor plate is impacted, an electric current is generated thanks to the photoelectric phenomenon. This current can then be used to power household electrical appliances – e.g. a heat pump.

Power storage options

The storage of energy from photovoltaics can be regulated thanks to the E-Manager system, which is an element of the Smart Grid, i.e. a smart network that uses digital communication technology. It detects excess electricity generated from photovoltaic panels and then regulates the heat pump to the optimal balance between consumption and production. At the same time, it is able to use excess energy by switching on some appliances, e.g. washing machine, dishwasher or dryer. When the power production from photovoltaic panels decreases, the E-Manager returns the heat pump to its standard operation. It also allows you to set a timetable for consumption depending on peak electricity prices, and at the same time depending on the season. The heat pump will produce more heat energy at a time when electricity is cheaper and thus saves our finances.

E-Manager vs E-System

The E-System again uses digital communication technology, but in addition it extends the E-Manager with an inverter and built-in storage batteries. With an excess of electricity from photovoltaic panels, the E-System stores the generated electricity in batteries, and in the event of a decrease in its own electricity production, the heat pump is powered by stored energy. The built-in inverter also has an optional EPS (safe power mode) function, which allows you to use the stored power in the event of a power failure from the mains. The E-System is maintenance-free and its batteries with intelligent charging system have a minimum lifespan of 10 years. Thanks to modularity, the E-System is customizable and can be dimensioned according to performance requirements.

Heat pump and photovoltaics? Heating but also cooling

One of the indisputable advantages of combining heat pump and photovoltaics is, in addition to economic heating of hot water and heating, also interior cooling. In winter, at the average temperatures of the given period, the geothermal heat pump is one of the most financially profitable and at the same time the most environmentally friendly solutions for heating and utility water in the house. Because the heat pump is powered by electricity, but only by a minimum amount of it. The heat pump can also very efficiently and cheaply cool the interior of the house in summer in conjunction with heating-cooling radiant systems. Unlike air conditioning, which has not only a high purchase price and the need for regular service, but also high operating costs, they have comfortable functionality without any noise and replace any other unsightly heating units or cooling units.


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Schwan Cosmetics invests in geocore technology future

Schwan Cosmetics invests in geocore technology future

Have you heard of the Schwan brand? Probably, but don't you remember what the brand is making? We'll give you some advice. If someone in your household uses a cosmetic eyeliner, it is very likely that you will find a symbol of a small swan on it. It is just a significant logo of this German brand.

Schwan as a leader in the cosmetics industry

Schwan was founded in 1865 and has been intensively involved in the cosmetics industry since 1975, when the first cosmetic pencil 'Schwan Eyebrow Pencil' was officially introduced. Among the first enthusiasts and customers was max factor cosmetics, which immediately caught up with the idea and took it to America. Since then, Schwan Cosmetics has become the leader of the global cosmetics market and is a professional partner of the cosmetics industry. The company is also a successful leader in sustainable innovation and it is important for it to create products that combine quality, aesthetics and responsibility.

The second largest production centre in Český Krumlov is expanding

Schwan Cosmetics is currently the world's largest manufacturer of wooden decorative cosmetics and therefore is constantly expanding its production halls. The second largest production centre of the company is located in Český Krumlov and in 2016 it began to expand with two new production halls. Schwan management approached us to provide radiant façade heating and cooling systems for the new halls. These are integrated into the column-like construction of glass facades of new production halls. The system is almost invisible in the interior and abounds in comfortable functionality without any noise. Thanks to the fact that we design it tailored for a particular façade, it is able to cover the total heat loss of facades and no additional heating elements are necessary.

Ecology and employee satisfaction as a top priority

Schwan Cosmetics has been investing in high-quality systems that do not burden the environment for a long time, and these include the system that we used in the hall facades. The effective solution we have chosen ranks among the most modern technologies with minimal environmental impact, while also contributing to the physical and psychological well-being of employees. This is precisely because of the radiation of heat or cold, not the blowing and swirling of air, which is usually the cause of diseases and allergies. The sustainability of the projects and the intention to make the day-to-day work of employees more pleasant have certainly come true in this case.


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5 reasons why a heat pump will help owners of older houses the most

5 reasons why a heat pump will help owners of older houses the most

Heat pumps are usually associated with high acquisition costs and heating of modern new buildings, but the opposite remains true, and in the case of heat pumps (hereinafter referred to as TČ), the higher the heat loss of the house, the greater the savings achieved by the operation of the TČ.

Principle of heat pump

On what principle does the heat pump work? It's simple, imagine a refrigerator. Reverse its function to get an idea of how the heat pump works. Heat energy is taken from the ground, air or water and thanks to the heat pump cycle it is transferred to a higher level, where it is suitable for use for heating (or water heating). The heat pump works with the primary and secondary circuits. The primary is the one that is in contact with nature. Secondary circuit, that's a system of radiators, underfloor heating, a ceiling radiant system in your house. And why does TC help owners of older houses the most?

1. Evaluation

The heat pump is a full-fledged and high-quality heating source that reduces the cost of heat production and in the case of a renovated house or non-insulated building, the investment in TČ is returnable within a few years and thus appreciates your property. You can also use state-provided boiler subsidies or the Green Savings financial contribution to purchase TČ. The criterion for obtaining a subsidy is the use of an accumulation vessel in a heating system with a heat pump.

2. Hybrid solutions

The hybrid system allows you to cleverly process thermal energy by combining from air and ground. This system can be suitably supplemented by a power plant made of photovoltaic cells, which will cover the electrical consumption of both the house and the heat pump. Funds that would otherwise have been spent on the operation and maintenance of non-electronic heating systems are being spent. However, your existing gas or electric boiler, or fireplace with heat exchanger, can still serve as an additional or backup heat source.

3. Effective regulation

The comfort of the heat pump in the home environment is accompanied by the possibility of setting room temperature and control via wi-fi interface. Room temperature preferences are often individual. Someone spends most of their time in the office and returns home in the evening, someone prefers a warmer or colder environment. You can choose from individual regulations that have a wide range of control options. From standard thermostats to smart home-level regulations.

4. Heating and cooling

The heat pump is a very versatile means of maintaining thermal comfort in the home both in winter and in the summer months. With a heat pump, you get one source for heating as well as for cooling. Cooling in the air/water system then benefits from regenerating the temperature in the soil.In many cases, TČ also provides pool heating. The system allows you to cleverly process thermal energy from the air or from the ground depending on seasonal conditions and client requirements.

5. Return

As the prices of heat pumps have fallen in the last decade, the return on investment is also being shortened. Money put into a heat pump will be returned to most households between the age of 6 and 8. For a specific illustration, use the following example. The efficiency of operation is also affected by the heating factor TČ (cop). This shows the ratio of the heat energy obtained to the electricity consumed. The heating factor therefore affects the economy of the heat pump operation. The higher the heating factor, the more efficient the heat pump is. EcoGEO heat pumps, for example, boast one of the highest COP on the market.


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Design radiators? A nightmare and inetermible technology.

Design radiators? A nightmare and inetermible technology.

Surely you have encountered at some point in your life during the reconstruction of a house or apartment that designers, architects or assistants in specialized shops offered you design heating fixtures, in other words also design radiators. These facilities are usually characterized by an 'interesting look that will bring the interior to life.'

The look will soon get old

The truth is, however, that most of these bodies are tawy and rather than interesting, they are visually ugly and you will soon get tired of the interior. But we touched on the aesthetic aspects of the matter, let's explain how these unusual radiators 'save' energy and what their prospects are for the future.

How do (non)gentle radiators work?

Conventional radiators, as we know them, save about 20% of energy today. Today, however, other technologies are moving theworld , which we know are capable of saving up to50% of energy. The principle of a normal radiator is still the same, a small area that heats air at a lower temperature to air at a higher temperature. The problem is that the reduced temperature that goes into the radiator, as a rule, needs a large amount of electricity for the air at the desired temperature in the room to circulate. In order for this to happen, you need to use fans to do the job. However, the savings are then replaced by the work of fans, which in most cases these design heaters need to function.

Noise, dust and complex maintenance

The disadvantage is also the unwanted noise that fans produce and the swirl of dust, which is not especially appreciated by allergy sufferers. The noise of these heaters or radiators can become very unpleasant, especially if we have a radiator installed in the room where we sleep. It is known that when falling asleep we are very sensitive to any, even slightly noisy stimuli from the outside, and therefore we should rather avoid installing noisy devices in these places. Over time, the way these radiators are cleaned can also become inconvenient. Dust settles in the body, and cleaning it can become a nightmare of regular household maintenance.   

Future?

What are the starting points and possibilities? There will come a time when none of us will want a radiator indoors. We already know several ways to avoid installing a radiator in the interior and thus avoid the complications that these devices bring. The design that gets tired, excessive dust swirling and inconvenient maintenance are reasons why we should consider our decisions several times during further reconstruction.


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Prague 7 is moving with the times. The town hall will have ecological cooling and heating.

Prague 7 is moving with the times. The town hall will have ecological cooling and heating.

Prague 7 is eagerly awaiting its new townhouse, which is scheduled to be completed in early 2019 and will be located at U Průhonu 38. Prague 7 will probably pay 213 mi.l excluding VAT for the reconstruction, the return on the total investment is about 16 years.
An international architectural competition was announced on the proposal, which was evaluated by an international jury composed of several experts. Among them, for example, was the Belgian architect from the V+ studio, Jörn Aram Bihain, who pointed out that the project of finding an architectural solution is not only a search for an architectural answer, but also a political one. He also pointed out that on such issues, not only the expectations of the contracting authority are important, but also of other interested people – employees, visitors, voters.

A winning solution?

The competition was eventually won by the Prague Association of Architects Atelier bod architekti s.r.o. In particular, the jury rated the simplicity and clear expression on the proposal positively, which very well underlines the importance of this public building. At the same time, the approach to reconstruction respects the existing construction of the building and the context in which it is located. After completion of the reconstruction, the building of the new town hall will have a total floor area of 5,500 m2, of which 4,600 m2 of usable area. There will be 202 jobs in the building and another 230 for visitors. The town hall will be equipped with an underground multifunctional hall for more than 100 people, a café on the ground floor and a multifunctional meeting room on the roof overlooking the whole of Holešovice. For the first time in its almost 130-year history, Prague 7 will acquire its own town council building.

Geocore will supply a heating-cooling ceiling ceiling to the town hall house overlooking Prague's Holešovice.

We will supply our heating and cooling system to the new town council house, which will provide 100% comfort for workers, clients or visitors. Our system guarantees pragmatic design combined with high performance and maximum possibility of aesthetic individualization. At the same time, it is absolutely quiet, thus contributing to a concentrated atmosphere and thermal comfort in the room for all present. If you are a resident of Prague 7 and your visits to the local authorities frighten you, we dare to say that the new town hall will be a pleasant space for both employees and residents.

Gallery of the winning design


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Changes and biggest errors in applications for boiler subsidies?

Changes and biggest errors in applications for boiler subsidies?

Do not leave the boiler replacement at the last minute. You should replace your old boiler by September 2020. The second wave of boiler subsidies in many regions in the Czech Republic is extended! We've made some basic mistakes that you should avoid.

Changes from the first wave?

In all regions except vysočina, it will be possible to submit an application using an electronic form and then deliver the entire documentation back. So you should avoid endless rows, as was the case with the first wave. There is also no need to implement so-called microenergic measures, e.g. partial replacement of windows or insulation of the roof.

The money is reimbursed retroa back

First you have to arrange a boiler replacement and only then ask for payment of the money, certainly not the other way around. The officials will send you home, and you'll needlessly stand up to the hourly lines.

Inconclusive photo documentation of the original boiler

The existence of the boiler must be documented by the applicants in a fully connected state. If you have already disposed of the boiler, this may be a problem in the subsequent reimbursement of the money. So be sure to document all this thoroughly to avoid inconvenience.

Failure to comply with project information

Another common problem may be, for example, installing a different boiler than indicated in the project. So try to really follow everything as stated in the project. The subsidy inspectors are relentless and you do not have to reach the subsidy at all.

Administration

The huge problem with filling out applications is associated with administration, but fortunately the errors in the documentation are solvable and it is in the interest of the regions to help you with any completion. Alternatively, please contact us.

Forget coal boilers

Contrary to previous challenges, it is no longer possible to obtain a subsidy for a new coal boiler. However, the obligation remained to purchase a boiler combining the combustion of coal and biomass, in which coal is burned. Environmentalists criticize the support of these boilers and recommend support for these boilers in the next call to consider. At Geocore, we design gentle maintenance-free heat pumps, the offer of which can be viewed in the Products section.

Installation of ecogeo heat pump with integrated storage vessel.

More information about heat pumps

Difference from New Green Savings

Replacing the boiler may no longer be associated with energy saving measures for buildings in the current call. Therefore, you no longer have to replace doors and windows to increase the energy savings of these buildings.

Watch out for sanctions!

The Air Protection Act implies a penalty, which often motivates owners of old boilers to replace them. Inspectors can impose a fine of up to CZK 20,000 for leaking suspicious smoke. Therefore, be sure to take advantage of the possibility of subsidies and contact us with any questions. We will be happy to suggest a gentle solution and advice.

More information about the boiler subsidy

GEO - HP tailor-made solutions

GEO – HP tailor-made solution for any project up to 1.5 MW in a "cube". GEO – HP is a compact heat pump that continuously produces energy for heating and cooling in any required ratio for any object.