Refrigeration cost savings for J D Wetherspoon

Overview

This test proved that an average of 7.6% from the site KWh meter

Over the test period the 7.6% site KWh saving equates to an approximate 12-13% average savings on controlled equipment.

Wetherspoon

J D Wetherspoon is a pub chain in the UK and Republic of Ireland. The company operates just under 1,000 outlets, that offer drink, food, low prices and long opening hours. Wetherspoon recognises good environmental management is an essential part of being a responsible business. As a result the company aims to install equipment to minimise energy consumption into new pubs and existing pubs.

SavaWatt energy saving project at Wetherspoon

For this reason J D Wetherspoon instructed Savawatt to install SavaControls to all air conditioning and refrigeration equipment at selected Wetherspoon pubs. These pubs contained a substantial number of chilled and frozen cabinets. These included flash chillers, bottle coolers, ice makers and walk-in units. Internal ambient temperatures in the bar were controlled by HVAC units, air-conditioning units and heat pumps.

From a fiscal and environmental viewpoint, energy efficiency is essential. Above all, the electrical consumption on this site being used by refrigeration & air conditioning accounts to 60% Therefore any savings made will have a significant impact on base costs. Savawatt manufactures a range of SavaControl units designed to reduce the electricity used by compressors in refrigeration plant.

In addition the data from the sites kilowatt hour meter were collected manually at the same time each Friday over the period of the test. A member of J D Wetherspoon staff verified the data on each visit. At the same time Savawatt installed data loggers to individual items of refrigeration and air handling equipment.

With all SavaControls in circuit and operating correctly, monitoring of the sites electricity consumption commenced at 10.30 hours and continued weekly. At this time all SavaControls were taken out of circuit giving no benefit from reduced energy consumption. Monitoring again continued weekly until the trial came to an end and all SavaControls were switched back into circuit. 

 

Results

As a result there no adverse reports in regards to the performance of any of the controlled equipment. Operating temperature and normal performance were maintained and operational use was “as usual”. Arguably it has to be noted that the savings figures can fluctuate depending on seasonal weather conditions and sales figures at the Bar. Furthermore the Bar Manager confirmed the sales over the test period had been consistent, with no mechanical down time of refrigeration or air conditioning plant.

Conclusion

In conclusion this test proved that an average of 7.6% from the site KWh meter is possible over the test period and . This figure is supported by the previous tests on individual controlled equipment. Over the test period the 7.6% site KWh saving equates to an approximate 12-13% average savings on controlled equipment.

Therefore on the basis of this test, the installation of SavaControls to pubs operating similar refrigeration and air conditioning equipment will result in similar saving figures.