Where should designers and specifiers start when looking to reduce energy usage in refrigerated facilities?
Those involved with existing facilities should conduct an energy audit. New projects should involve energy efficiency as an integral part of the design process. In either instance, below are a few key focal areas where refrigerated facility owners, designers and specifiers should focus.
Compressors
Compressors use more energy than any other component of a refrigerated system. Compressors must run constantly to maintain temperatures in environmentally controlled areas. Types of compressors, configurations, housings and an array of other factors can be tweaked or improved. Understand at the onset, that more efficient equipment will require a greater monetary investment upfront. The key will be accurate ROI calculations to ensure the savings justify the costs.
Shipping/Receiving Docks
The first important decision will be the use of refrigerated or unrefrigerated shipping docks. The choice will depend on operational procedures, good manufacturing practices, and product supply chain requirements.
Refrigerated docks prevent the entry of moisture into your cold storage room, thus reducing the enormous load moisture puts on refrigeration equipment. Additionally, refrigerated docks help to reduce the risk of temperature abuse, thereby reducing risks related to food safety.
Envelope Design
The envelope design for the refrigerated sections of a facility serve an important role. These envelopes reduce heat transfer and control moisture infiltration and condensation. Heat transfer through refrigerated space walls and the outside ambient environment creates a greater load.
Moisture in refrigerated spaces comes with a litany of disadvantages:
- Increased Energy Costs
- Diminished Insulating Effect
- Structural Damage
- Biological Growth
- Ice/Frost Formation