Heat recovery from the condensers of the refrigeration units to preheat domestic hot water (DHW)
A refrigeration cycle works by capturing heat from the evaporator inside the cold rooms, to subsequently discharge it towards the condenser outside the building. This project aims to recover this heat to preheat domestic hot water (DHW) which is a must in all butcher shops. To do this, a heat exchanger is installed between the compressor and the condenser of the refrigeration unit.
This measure could reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions by 10 to 30%, thereby significantly reducing or even eliminating energy demand for domestic hot water (DHW) production. However, its implementation is complex and will require a temporary production shutdown to during the installation.
Replacement of individual refrigeration units with a single unit fitted with a variable speed compressor.
In a butcher shop, the refrigeration cycle ensures the cold rooms are cooled. These refrigeration units, which are subject to operating variations, are often separate and not or very little regulated.
The project consists in replacing small production units supplying cold rooms with a main, centralised cold production unit, controlled with a frequency variation on the refrigeration compressor motor.
By installing this technology, which has been available on the market for more than 5 years, the company may save between 15 and 20% on its energy bills. Although this measure has a fast return on investment, implementing it is complex and requires a temporary production shutdown.
The project involves installing sun control window films on the exterior glazing, which can help reduce the amount of solar heat entering the building. In summer, air conditioning needs and associated energy consumption are reduced. In winter, the need for heating and associated energy consumption may increase slightly.
Sun control window films are suitable for commercial buildings, shop windows and existing businesses with large glazed areas which are likely to overheat inside and have increased air conditioning needs due to solar radiation.
By installing this technology, which has been available on the market for more than 5 years, the company can save on its electricity bills and reduce its carbon footprint, but above all improve comfort. This measure is relatively simple to implement, has a quick return on investment and does not require production shutdown during the technical installation.
There are different types of solar film that can be used to control the solar radiation according to need and season, guaranteeing protection and thermal optimisation in both winter and summer, without any loss of luminosity.
Promoting self-consumption and electricity sharing within your company
Self-consumption refers to using the electricity that you generate on your own. This approach helps you become less reliant on the energy market and suppliers, insulating you from price fluctuations. For instance, by installing solar panels, you can produce renewable electricity that meets your company’s electrical needs, whether it’s for lighting, powering an EV-charging station, or running other appliances. Additionally, this self-produced energy can also be used to power larger systems like heat pumps.
The following article provides an overview of various self-consumption methods, highlighting their benefits and drawbacks, along with the necessary procedures, available subsidies, and relevant measures.
Energy savings: lighting, a key element in energy consumption in the workplace
Lighting accounts for around 10% of electricity consumption in buildings. The potential savings are quite varied and depend heavily on the condition and management of the lighting system. In order to unlock the full potential, this measure proposes a range of optimisation measures, from simple practical initiatives to a complete overhaul of the lighting system.
