ENERGY SAVING
credentials. The new, purpose designed facility, at Oud Gastel in the south west Netherlands, incorporates state-of-the-art technology and automated features for a minimal carbon footprint and ultra-low energy consumption. The building features 6,500 solar panels, generating enough electricity to serve the needs of 400 - 500 households per year. The climate control system is powered exclusively by electricity, in keeping with Dutch energy policy and is driven by three latest generation heat pumps. The building is protected by the highest levels of insulation to further reduce energy consumption. Both the interior and exterior of the plant benefit from energy efficient, sensor- controlled LED lighting. We have carried the sustainability theme through to our manufacturing processes, with all operations except the powder coating line being powered by electricity, rather than gas. We have invested in new machine tool technology to further reduce our impact on the environment, replacing two power thirsty, laser cutting machines with new models, which consume up to 60% less energy.
stacking heights, even at minimal air speeds. A well-designed air outlet grille creates an air flow which reduces turbulence and therefore mitigates the infiltration of ambient air, meaning less energy is required to refrigerate the air.
Compared with static cooling, the air flow greatly enhances the energy transfer capabilities from the coil, allowing higher evaporating temperatures, for a significant improvement in energy efficiency. Further energy savings have been achieved by incorporating efficient LED lighting, DC fans, triple pane insulated side glass and a fully insulated shell. Energy consumption of the counters has been measured at 4.54 kWh/day/ m2 at 3M0, which is some 43% below the ECA Energy Efficiency Index threshold.
Disruptive technology
We have been investing in research programmes and the development of disruptive technology, which challenges conventional refrigeration engineering. For example, we recently introduced our chilled custom counters, which incorporate the innovative and patent pending OmniCold refrigeration system. OmniCold works by blanketing the food on display from all sides. A low velocity air flow of approximately 120 m3/h/m circulates above and below the food. Refrigerated air circulated across the product deck chills products from below, whilst slots in the deck allow air to escape to the top. This prevents the top air flow from collapsing and enables higher
Low GWP refrigerants We have been active in phasing out the use of refrigerants with higher ozone depletion potential, such as R404A and R410A. Our counters are designed to operate efficiently with wide range of energy efficient, future- proof refrigerants with low Global Warming Potential (GWP), minimising the impact on the environment. Refrigerant options offered for use with the counters include R744 (CO), R455A and glycol for remote systems and R1234yf for integral systems.
We have also addressed the hot topic of food waste. OmniCold, with its low velocity air circulation, delivers accurate holding temperatures, reducing the rate of growth of pathogens and spoilage organisms, whilst slowing down physiological, biochemical and physical processes within food. This helps to ensure that food is maintained at perfect quality and appearance, over extended periods,
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reducing the amount of merchandise that may be thrown away, due to product deterioration.
Reusability and recyclability Our Custom Counters offer reusability and recyclability benefits, reducing the depletion of precious raw materials. The high build quality and durable components used in the construction of the counters ensure that they have a longer operational life than competitive models. The inherent smart design means that many components are compatible with future store upgrades, with all external panels, cladding, interiors, worktops and even the glass suitable for use in counter rebuilds. When the products reach their end-of-life cycle, they are 99% recyclable. Don’t get me wrong; I didn’t vote for the
Green Party at the last general election and you won’t find me on a climate change protest march. However, I do recognise that working in an industry, which has potential to damage the planet, means that we all need to change the way we operate. The fact that such changes are easily within our grasp makes the adoption of new work practices and the development of more sustainable equipment a no brainer.
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