International Grocery Chain: Mid-Atlantic

A large international grocery chain experiencing high energy costs

 sought to validate the energy conservation measures (ECMs) provided by Energy Efficient Technologies. Following a comprehensive energy audit, several ECMs were recommended. This case study focuses on validating a third-generation HVAC and refrigeration ECM, now in its fourth patented generation, known as CryoGenX4.

Understanding the Problem: Oil Fouling in HVAC/R Systems

Oil-lubricated HVAC and refrigeration systems face a well-documented issue known as thermal degradation, or oil fouling, which worsens over time. Recognized by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), this problem significantly contributes to capacity loss in HVAC/R systems. It prevents these systems from operating at their original design efficiency, leading to reduced performance over time. 

EET's Solution: Testing and Deploying CryoGenX4

For the past seven years, the licensed professional engineers at Energy Efficient Technologies (EET) have been working with, testing, and deploying the Tri-S Technologies Energy Control Measure (ECM). This is used to reduce energy consumption and improve performance and capacity of all oil-lubricated HVAC and refrigeration systems.

Study Overview: Validation Process

From 2014 to 2015, EET and Tri-S have been verifying the effectiveness of the ECM in Rooftop unit HVAC systems (RTUs) and refrigeration racks in two locations of this mid-Atlantic grocery store chain, based in MD. The purpose of this study is to document the performance improvements and future energy cost reductions associated with the energy conservation measure (ECM).

Key Achievements of the Study

The study was a success as it achieved the following:

• Ability of the equipment to better satisfy fluctuating store and refrigeration loads
• Produced additional cooling capacity at no extra cost or interruption to store operations
• Improved cooling equipment efficiency, lowering cost to produce each ton of cooling
• Restored thermal efficiency, allowing equipment to achieve thermostat set points faster
• Reduced overall energy consumption and peak demand charges (KVA)

HVAC Validation Results

• Capacity was increased 54.2 %
• Energy usage to perform the same cooling load decreased by 32.6%
  
  
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Refrigeration Rack Results

• Overall 10% reduction in energy costs
• 6.1% Reduction on compressor rack consumption
• 16.6% Reduction on condenser units

ROI and Environmental Impact

As you can see from this graph of the utility grade meter, which is measuring electricity of the entire rack system over time, there is no doubt our ECM is saving kWh and reducing carbon footprint:

Deployed in all equipment in one store:

• Savings at .095 kWh are $18,291
• Under a 2 year payback
• 732.7% ROI over the equipment life