This model project demonstrates how decarbonized heating, sustainable resource use, and economic efficiency can be successfully combined in a car wash facility.
“Operating a car wash in combination with a photovoltaic system is the ideal solution for me. On sunny days, when the car wash is running at full capacity, we even generate a surplus of electricity. Even on overcast winter days, daylight is often sufficient to nearly fully cover the facility’s basic energy needs with solar power. Terahash’s water-cooled mining solution is, for me, a brilliant combination of an efficient heat source and a flexible electricity consumer. It not only offers better returns than feeding energy into the grid but also ensures optimal use of the available energy,” says the operator of the wash park.
1. General Description of the Facility
The wash park in Münsingen features five self-service washing bays, a car wash portal, and seven vacuum stations. The entire facility is covered and equipped with a 150 kW peak photovoltaic system. The translucent PV panels provide consistent shading in summer while allowing enough light for the facility’s use in winter, at dawn, and during twilight.
2. Water Treatment System
The facility uses a highly efficient biological water treatment system for resource-friendly operation:
- Sediment Trap: Used washing water is first cleaned of suspended solids.
- Biological Treatment: Microorganisms break down organic residues and biodegradable chemicals in the washing water.
The system achieves a high water reuse rate, significantly reducing the need for fresh water. Additionally, rainwater collected from the roof of the Clean Park and adjacent buildings is stored in 36,000 liter tanks and used in the facility.
3. Wash Water Temperature Management
For optimal cleaning performance, the wash water is heated to 40°C in summer to effectively remove insect residues and other tough dirt.
4. Integration of Bitcoin Mining Facility
An innovative feature of the facility is the integration of a Bitcoin mining system with a capacity of up to 20 kW. This setup utilizes a Heatcore HS20 combined with two Whatsminer M53 units. The system serves as the central heat source, entirely eliminating the need for an oil or gas central heating system. The miners function as the facility’s central heating and offer several advantages:
- Water Cooling: The miners’ waste heat is used to warm the wash water, improving cleaning results and reducing energy requirements for additional heating systems.
- Underfloor Heating in Winter: In winter, the miners’ heat is distributed via an underfloor heating system to keep the wash bays ice-free.
- Air Heating: Optionally, miner heat can be directed as warm air beneath the roof of the facility to melt snow off PV panels in winter, ensuring uninterrupted energy generation.
In addition to providing heat, Bitcoin mining generates a cashback of 8–15 cents* per kWh used, further reducing operating costs. This makes the Bitcoin mining integration a financially attractive and sustainable option.
5. Energy Consumption and Management
At full operation, including the Bitcoin mining system, the facility’s maximum energy consumption is up to 50 kW. The PV system covers most of the demand:
- Excess electricity is stored in a battery system or a 2,000 liter hot water tank for efficient use.
- A heat pump acts as a secondary heat source during peak loads or low sunlight conditions.
The system also enables monetization of excess energy in summer that would otherwise go unused. This makes the facility a cost-efficient solution for electric and decarbonized heating, particularly as fossil fuel prices are expected to rise significantly in the long term.
6. Collaboration with terahash.energy GmbH
The operator has realized their second car wash project with this facility, once again demonstrating how the vertical integration of Bitcoin mining can enhance infrastructure efficiency. Terahash.energy GmbH provided the innovative mining system, supporting the combination of advanced technology and sustainable resource use.
7. Contact and Future Prospects
Located in Münsingen on the Swabian Alb, the wash park serves as a model project for resource-efficient and technologically advanced car washes. If the concept proves successful, it will serve as a blueprint for future locations and could become the standard solution for sustainable car wash facilities.
For inquiries or direct contact with the operator, please reach out to Terahash.energy GmbH. We are available for consultations and the implementation of further projects.
Key Benefits of the Integrated Systems
- Sustainable Energy and Heat Use: Combining PV panels, Bitcoin mining, and water treatment makes the facility ecologically and economically efficient.
- Cashback Through Mining: Direct cost reduction via cashback of 8–15 cents per kWh used.
- Decarbonized Heating: Reduction of CO₂ emissions through electric heating sources.
- Future-Proof Technology: The facility offers an independent and cost-effective solution for energy and heat supply, addressing rising fossil fuel prices.
“This project is a significant step toward the future of integrated and sustainable infrastructures in Germany. It impressively demonstrates how modern technologies can seamlessly interact to optimize resource use. The operator’s innovative approach makes the facility not only economically efficient but also a pioneer in sustainability and technological integration – a milestone in the practical application of sustainable mining technologies,” commented Matthias Fendt, Head of Operations at terahash.energy GmbH.
